National NAACP Does Not Call for Rodney Muhammad Removal
The Philadelphia Tribune released a statement on Wednesday (August 5) from the National Leadership of the NAACP, about the Anti Semtiic Meme that Philadelphia Chapter President Rodney Muhammad had posted Facebook.
The statement said the National NAACP was “saddened and deeply disappointed by the harm caused by Mr. Muhammad’s actions”.
However, the National NAACP was not saddened enough, or sufficiently disappointed by Muhammad’s actions to call for his removal.
National NAACP statement
As one of the nation’s foremost civil rights organizations, we abhor hate, bigotry, anti-Semitism, and xenophobia in all forms and have long held leaders accountable — including our own.
On July 24th, Mr. Rodney Muhammad, Branch President of NAACP Philadelphia, posted a meme on Facebook, which unbeknownst to him, has a history of anti-Semitic propaganda. Upon realizing his mistake, he immediately took down the post, as well as the associated caption. He also acknowledged and apologized for his error in judgment.
The NAACP, Pennsylvania State Conference, and Philadelphia Branch unequivocally denounce and condemn all anti-Semitic language and images and stand against all forms of hate speech.
While Mr. Muhammad now recognizes the offensive nature of the imagery and post, we are saddened and deeply disappointed by the harm caused by Mr. Muhammad’s actions. Hate speech has no place at the NAACP, and such language and imagery are reprehensible.
Over the coming weeks, both President Johnson and Mr. Muhammad will meet with community leaders and faith leaders to open a dialogue and continue the educational conversations needed to strengthen our communities. Side by side with our Jewish partners, the NAACP is also launching a series of national conversations to further understanding.
The statement (above) was issued by National NAACP Spokesman, Austyn Ross. The Tribune noted that “Ross did not respond to requests for additional comment.” And that “Muhammad did not immediately return a call seeking comment.”
The Tribune also reported that Bishop J. Louis Felton, first vice president of the Philadelphia branch “seemed resigned to abide by the NAACP’s decision but noted Muhammad’s position is up for election in November, along with all the other branch officers.”
On Monday (August 3), The Tribune noted that Felton said Muhammad’s post has done ‘tremendous damage.’ Felton would be first in line to head the local branch should Muhammad step down.
While not explicitly calling on Muhammad to resign, Felton said on Monday: “We have asked that the right thing be done,” adding: ‘And any time you damaged your brand, any time you bring damage to your branch, obviously you’re not doing the right thing.;”
Jewish Federation won’t work with Philly NAACP
On Sunday (August 2), The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia issued this statement.
UPDATED 8/02
We are extremely disappointed with the NAACP for excusing Mr. Muhammad’s anti-Semitic posts and refusing to remove him from his position as a leader of a civic organization. While Mr. Muhammad still has yet to fully apologize for his most recent actions, an examination of the social media channels maintained by him and the mosque he leads shows an alarming amount of bigoted and anti-Jewish sentiments. While we are willing to engage in dialogue with NAACP national president Derrick Johnson, the Pennsylvania Conference and other local NAACP chapters, our obligation to oppose hate and discrimination will prevent us from working with the Philadelphia chapter while Mr. Muhammad is employed there. We are proud and grateful for the dozens of local civic leaders and organizations who have joined us in condemning anti-Semitism and hate speech, and we look forward to working closely with them to build a society that is welcoming for people of all races and faiths.
This is on the Facebook Page of Nation of Islam’s Philadelphia Mosque 12, where Rodney Muhammad is the minister. It appeared the same day (July 27) that Muhammad issued a statement in which said, “It was never my intention to offend anyone or cause any hurt.” Click here.