NAACP releases statement on controversial remarks by Shirley Sherrod
The remarks of USDA official Shirley Sherrod stirred up a hornet’s nest today. It was revealed that she told an NAACP audience last year about her reluctance to assist a white farmer seeking her assistance.
Conservative news outlets have used the video of her speech to blast the NAACP in light of their blasting of racist elements in the Tea Party. It’s clear that unlike Tea Party spokesman Mark Williams, the NAACP didn’t try to hide behind some nonsense. They object to Sherrod’s comments and back her resignation.
The reality is that ANY person in a position of influence, can allow their racial views to get in the way of their job. Sherrod denied a white farmer the chance for assistance, and it didn’t matter how he talked to her or reacted. She was dead wrong to deny him based on the color of his skin.
She was wrong for allowing racism to impede her job, and Mark Williams of the Tea Party is wrong for his racist letter.
NAACP STATEMENT ON THE RESIGNATION OF SHIRLEY SHERROD
(BALTIMORE, MD) NAACP President and CEO Benjamin Todd Jealous issued the following statement today after learning of the resignation of Shirley Sherrod of the United States Department of Agriculture.
“Since our founding in 1909, the NAACP has been a multi-racial, multi-faith organization that– while generally rooted in African American communities– fights to end racial discrimination against all Americans.
We concur with US Agriculture Secretary Vilsack in accepting the resignation of Shirley Sherrod for her remarks at a local NAACP Freedom Fund banquet.
Racism is about the abuse of power. Sherrod had it in her position at USDA. According to her remarks, she mistreated a white farmer in need of assistance because of his race.
We are appalled by her actions, just as we are with abuses of power against farmers of color and female farmers.
Her actions were shameful. While she went on to explain in the story that she ultimately realized her mistake, as well as the common predicament of working people of all races, she gave no indication she had attempted to right the wrong she had done to this man.
The reaction from many in the audience is disturbing. We will be looking into the behavior of NAACP representatives at this local event and take any appropriate action.
We thank those who brought this to our national office’s attention, as there are hundreds of local fundraising dinners each year.
Sherrod’s behavior is even more intolerable in light of the US Department of Agriculture’s well documented history of denying opportunities to African American, Latino, Asian American, and Native American farmers, as well as female farmers of all races. Currently, justice for many of these farmers is being held up by Congress. We would hope all who share our outrage at Sherrod’s statements would join us in pushing for these cases to be remedied.
The NAACP will continue to advance the ideals of America and fight for freedom, justice and fairness for all Americans.”
Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation’s oldest and largest civil rights organization. Its members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities, conducting voter mobilization and monitoring equal opportunity in the public and private sectors.
