Petrelis Files

Dear Friends:

Some of my staunchest critics have given me a hard time about my recent posts bemoaning the Human Rights Campaign's refusal to name the people on their search committee for a new executive director.

Since HRC forced out its last leader, Cheryl Jacques, at about the same time the executive director of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Kweisi Mfume, announced his resignation, I checked the NAACP's web site to see if they had made a statement about who was on their search committee.

As you can plainly see in the release below, the NAACP bravely told the world the names and affiliations of the nine individuals on the committee. (On a side note, I find it interesting one of the nine is former GOP Congressman and VP candidate Jack Kemp!)

And because HRC likes to see itself as the NAACP of the gay and lesbian rights movement, I'm calling on them to follow the NAACP's lead and release the names of who is on HRC's search committee for its new leader.

That is, if HRC is willing to shed its closeted ways.

Michael Petrelis
San Francisco, CA
^^^


http://www.naacp.org/news/2004/2004-12-10.html

CONTACT: NAACP Office of Communications 410.580.5125
December 10, 2004
NAACP Board Names Presidential Search Committee


Panel includes members of NAACP National Board and the business community

NAACP National Board Chairman Julian Bond announced today that an eclectic group of nine people have been named to conduct the search for a successor to President and CEO Kweisi Mfume, who announced his resignation late last month. Mfume’s resignation is effective December 31.

In addition to Bond, the Presidential Search Committee includes: Roslyn Brock, Vice-Chair, NAACP Board; Rupert Richardson, member, NAACP Board; former Republican Congressman Jack Kemp; Hugh B. Price, former president, the National Urban League and senior advisor to Piper Rudnick LLP; Alice Huffman, member, NAACP Board; Philip Murphy, Managing Director, Investment Management Division, Goldman, Sachs & Co. and member, NAACP SCF Trustee Board; Coleman Peterson, President/CEO Hollis Enterprises, LLC and member, NAACP SCF Trustee Board; and Nicholas Wiggins, NAACP Youth Board Member.

“We are flattered that this distinguished group has volunteered to serve in this important task,” said Bond. “Their diversity reflects the diversity of the NAACP and the United States. We believe they will help the NAACP Board find a suitable candidate to take us forward.”

Mfume is leaving after nearly nine years as president and CEO. The former Congressman from Baltimore said he is stepping down “to pursue other challenges both in the private and public sectors.” During a press conference on November 30, Mfume said: “My decision to move on should be seen for what it is; another choice to seek another challenge, and another chance to make a difference.” To help assure a smooth transition to a new administration, Mfume has agreed to serve as a consultant to the NAACP until July 1, 2005.

Dennis C. Hayes, NAACP General Counsel, will serve as Acting President and CEO until a permanent chief executive officer is selected.

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is the nation’s oldest and largest civil rights organization. Its half-million adult and youth members throughout the United States and the world are front line advocates for civil rights, social justice and equal opportunity under law.