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Dr. Boyce: Why are a Video Vixen and Predatory Lender Appearing at the NAACP Leadership Summit?
by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Your Black World
You can imagine the shock in my face when I saw a recent invitation to the Leadership 500 Summit, sponsored by the NAACP. On the list of featured attendees was video vixen Melyssa Ford, whose website shows that she enjoys “leading” young women to make money with their body parts. Also on the list were representatives of Wells Fargo, the company responsible for the largest predatory lending scheme in the history of the United States, with many of those victims being black and brown.
So, it seems that between Ford and Wells Fargo, the NAACP has no problem hanging out with those who’ve screwed half of the black community (pun intended). I don’t want to be presumptuous in the case of Ms. Ford, but I’ll have to confess that I am suspicious of any black leadership summit speaker who poses for pictures booty-first.
The appearance of Ford as one of the featured guests at the NAACP event signifies a new era within the organization. The words “I have a dream” might still be uttered by every NAACP attendee who takes a visit to Ford’s website, but the meaning might be different from what Dr. King intended. Attendees may have also once had a dream of home ownership, only to find that this dream was squashed by companies like Wells Fargo, who’ve bought their way out of any potential backlash whatsoever from the nation’s largest civil rights organization.
No disrespect to Ms. Ford, but I can’t help but wonder what the former host of “Lifestyles of the Phat and Phabulous” has done for civil rights which calls for her appearance as a featured guest at a major NAACP event. Is NAACP President Ben Jealous going to return the favor by appearing at a strip club?
It seems that there are times when we get excited about the fact that someone is famous without caring about WHY they became famous. We congratulate others for being wealthy without taking a second to scrutinize how they obtained their wealth. This is no different from those who applauded drug dealers for giving away turkeys at Christmas as they paid for those turkeys by selling pre-packaged death within the African American community.
NAACP Chairman Roslyn Brock starts off a very compelling video on leadership with the words “Courage will not skip this generation.” Included in Brock’s mandate for courage should be those willing to speak up when our leading civil rights organizations parade women who make a living by allowing a sexist industry to exploit their bodies. I doubt that the NAACP would consider it a victory if the adorable young women featured in their video grew up wanting to be the next Melyssa Ford. If that’s the case, then these girls are already getting their “leadership training” from Lil Wayne and BET.
The NAACP is a powerful and historic organization which maintains a degree of relevance to the black community. But the idea that we should take money and form partnerships with the highest bidder does not liberate the African American community, it only further enslaves us in a capitalist society. Appearances by video vixens, predatory lenders, three-legged monkeys and circus clowns only serves to undermine the sacred purpose for which the NAACP was founded. Most of the board members of the NAACP are fully aware that there is nothing black children can learn about leadership from either Melyssa Ford or Wells Fargo, for both parties are there to cleanse themselves with the NAACP’s reputation, polluting the civil rights agenda in the process.
Perhaps it’s time to wake up and smell the stupidity.
Dr. Boyce Watkins is a Professor at Syracuse University and author of the book, “The RAPP Sheet: Rising Above Psychological Poison.” To have Dr. Boyce commentary delivered to your email, please click here.
Akeem walker
April 30, 2012 at 12:55 pm
It’s a shame that this is the new world that was spoken of 1 of sexual immorality and robbery. I am very disappointed in the NAACP they should know better having the ideals of late MLK but no it’s all about ratings and money now no 1 cares about freedom because it’s cool to be a slave.
mr.adrian
May 1, 2012 at 2:29 am
why are you surprised at the Naacp??? The NAACP has always been an negro elitist organization
Mary Lee
April 30, 2012 at 1:09 pm
As a woman of color and one who experienced Dr. Martin Luther King’s movement and the significant role NAACP played in our civil rights; I certainly feel that we deserve much better representation in leadership.
I agree with you 100%.
Michelle
April 30, 2012 at 1:18 pm
Dr. Boyce,
I couldn’t agree more. When will the NAACP stop tarnishing it’s albeit less than pristine image with “uncle”tomfoolery and reclaim it’s position as an effective vehicle to alleviate oppression in Black and Brown communities. Look no further than this list for the reasons that membership is declining….smh
Mawusi
April 30, 2012 at 1:33 pm
Bravo, Dr.Watkins. I’ve been sick to my stomach with the way we have glorified strippers in the past few years. Makes it hard for those of us who not only want respect for our brains and personality, but alson for our men to want to give it to us. Bravo, bravo bravo.
Mawusi
April 30, 2012 at 1:35 pm
Bravo, Dr.Watkins. I’ve been sick to my stomach with the way we have glorified strippers in the past few years. Makes it hard for those of us who not only want respect for our brains and personality, but alson for our men to want to give it to us. Bravo, bravo bravo.
erica
April 30, 2012 at 1:48 pm
It seems that gone are the days when NAACP encourages people with EDUCATION to inspire our youth. Now any two bit stipper/hoe who saved some money can talk to our people,and as for the Wells Fargo deligation,what are they doing for our communities except lining their pockets.Boycott….That will make them realise not to bring all that foolishness to our people.
Aries Parker
April 30, 2012 at 2:04 pm
Ah yes the glorified video vixen! Well I would be interested in the context of which Ms Ford spoke she is educated and armed with a degree in English yet uses her other assets to give her some type of noteriety. I don’t think she’s been in a video since early 2000′s so maybe her approach is there is lifespan of a V.V. I mean it’s like at the Essence Festival they use the Reality Show divas maybe they replaced the Video Vixens because their whole stance does nothing for the uplifting young women either or former Spring Chickens such as myself ;0). I just don’t get it why we give great platforms to the wrong people. Only unless they are trying to make wrongs right!
armyman
April 30, 2012 at 2:25 pm
All I have to say is preach on. Let the church say amen.Naacp is a despicable uncle tom organization that needs to be check. Ford as a guest and all these African American women with degrees and self respect for themselves to the point they rather struggle to accomplish there goal then by a slut in the name of money. Duboius left the unlce tom organizations after the Jews took other with there on agenda for black folks we should do the same. What does BET AND THE NAACP HAVE IN COMMON? THE DESTRUCTION OF THE AFRICANS IN AMERICA. Naacp are whores for the highest bidder
ernst johnson
April 30, 2012 at 8:21 pm
every since they had a million dollar ban the n word ‘party in detroit i was thru with them,of all the things we have to do in our community,we have a shoe shine party for our’captors’to stop a word,niggerdumb!!!
Zia
April 30, 2012 at 2:34 pm
Wow.. I’m some what psychic & had thoughts that this organization dropped the ball along the way & indeed this article has proved just that. I commend dr Boyce, whether folks agree with him or not, he brings issues forth that I’m not sure anyone else would. Thanks mr Watkins.
leah
April 30, 2012 at 2:41 pm
NAACP get it together, who are y’all planning to invite next? LiL Wayne? Superhead? lol
ojack
April 30, 2012 at 2:45 pm
I too wonder how Melissa Ford of all people show up to this event. Who woke up one morning and though, “You know Melissa Ford is an excellent example of black leadership”. Did she sleep with someone to participate? At least with Wells Fargo I can understand the NAACP being bought and used, much like a $10 whore, by corporate interests just like our federal government. I don’t agree with it, but I understand it. Melissa Ford must of used her own form of “buying favors” from NAACP leadership.
Lakeisha
April 30, 2012 at 2:47 pm
Excellent point of view..
Milton Johnson
April 30, 2012 at 3:04 pm
I must say touche to Dr. Boyce. As a father of color of four(4)daughter, and a stuedent of African-African-American History I am appalled at how low the NAACP has fallen. I am compelled to comment on the above article. In an age of reality TV shows, strip clubs, and “superheads” I don’t expect one of our leading historic oranization for social movement and social change for the empowerment of African-Americans cannot look at its agenda and ask it’s self “What is wrong with this picture”? I would like to give thanks to brothers like Dr. Boyce for pointing out the contradictions of the organizations that claim to be about the “advancement” of our culture. Remember, “use your mind and intelligence, it is not illegal yet.”
Brother Milton looking out for our neighborhood.
Michael Williams
April 30, 2012 at 3:55 pm
This is why most Blacks see the NAACP as both out of touch and irrelevant !
Charli
April 30, 2012 at 5:19 pm
Exactly
Meanchick
April 30, 2012 at 4:06 pm
I’m done.
Ted Mattison
April 30, 2012 at 6:52 pm
I don’t think this is the first time that the NAACP has been in bed with Wells Fargo. They were playing kissy kissy before so I think someone is getting paid.
hubert medley.
April 30, 2012 at 8:04 pm
these guys are asleep at wheel wake up it is adown right shame you all have got to go blacks folks do not need this type of repersentation just out right pittyful get rid of them all.black folks we need to protest this definitely.SHAMEFUL …..
ELWOOD BLAND
April 30, 2012 at 8:30 pm
It is with deep regret that in 2012 the NAACP has fallen to this level. NAACP, Aint you got no shame?
No wonder I am comming up empty when I try to recruit new members for the NAACP. You continue to marganilize yourself as a civil rights organization when you sully your brand this way.
KennyCraddock
April 30, 2012 at 9:48 pm
Boyce I personally disagree with you 50% of the time now but on this one with the video vixen and predatory lender I 100% agree. What does the NAACP really stand for now does anybody know? This organization in my personal perspective has been
totally irrelevant.
Willa
April 30, 2012 at 10:21 pm
And the NAACP wonder why they have lost respectability.
Lolo
May 1, 2012 at 4:55 am
Iam equally disarmed by such a gesture on the part of an organization historically entrenched in the fight for freedom; of the mind, body and spirit. That is exactly why I refuse to give one cent to the “new” elitist, bougie sell out crap thrown our way. Iam so glad to see other posts on here suggesting that “we really do “get it”. We are an intelligent, thought provoking people who do know what and who works for us and what and who does not. THE NAACP NO LONGER WORKS FOR US!!
Herman Hawkins Jr.
May 1, 2012 at 5:02 am
The dumbing down of America continues and specifically the dumbing down of Black America. Values have declined at every level of society and it has done so across racial and ethnic lines, not to mention professionals, whether it be politicians, entertainers, athletes and yes unfortunately civil rights leadership including the NAACP. This is sad indeed.
MarthaJean
May 1, 2012 at 9:28 pm
Just because the Naacp have decided to be represented in this manner, does not mean that there is a diminsihing in values among AAs.
I am AA, and I still value decency, self-respect,honor, and impartiality. I do not practice self-righteous, if I can help it.
The Naacp does not represent AAs as a whole. It is an organization. It has an organizational structure that arrive at concensus. The Naacp does not belong to AAs. They have a membership that pays dues, and they consider what issues they will pursue.
I recently had a personal experience with a local chapter. It is the result of that experience that I have decided that I have no real interest in suppoting the NAACP in any way. The local president was very indifferent and arrogant toward me, and I got the impression that he was just acting in a perfuntory manner-no heart no soul.
Now what do you expect from the NAACP as a whole?????
TwixtnTween
May 1, 2012 at 1:48 pm
Im’ not denying NAACP could’ve made better choices in the case of these two… yet there are others participating and speaking…different perspectives on how to move forward, onward, and upward.
Also, make sure you vett all of these mortgage companies advertising on your site… on this page…even though you have to accept some of these advertisers on your site from Google in order to make a few dollars, perhaps we need to vett them also…we don’t know if they are legit either. How can we overcome the need for revenue whether on a small scale, as in the case here on your site, or for larger national exposure of our causes as in the NAACP? Where do we get the money to run our websites, pay our bills, feed our families, and move the communications machines necessary to galvanize our communities?
Walter
May 1, 2012 at 2:41 pm
When MLK was murdered other Black leaders and organizations all got in line to get their share of the American pie, meanwhile tellin us to wait a change is gone come. Can you see the change. But we are crazy when say Black people should demand Reparations for Slavery for years of Red lining, for the war on Drugs that has lock up so many people of color that age dosen’t matter. From age 6 to 60 and beyond we are being arrested or killed in record numbers and knowone has a problem with it. NAACP don’t want you to think about Reparations and what it could do for the Black community, and you know you can’t call NAACP when you have been dicrimated against on a job unless you’re a 2500.00 member all you 10.00 members. You get what you pay for. Song and dance is what they want from us and athletes are entertainers 2.watajoke we hv been to da world
Julius
May 1, 2012 at 3:50 pm
This whole conversation is appalling. Who are all of U holier than thou people. Melyssa Ford did nothing wrong & was highly respectable in her profession which she was paid very well. She was no HO, & didn’t get to the top of her craft by sleeping around. And I know her. Now there can be questions about what she will speak about but not until she does. Last time I checked Tyra Banks isnt famous for just having a talk show. I do believe her ASSETS in LINGERIE had something to do with IT. As far as WELLS FARGO that’s another matter. #Stop Hate…
lynetta thompson
May 1, 2012 at 5:51 pm
Personally, I think you are being to judgmental without knowing all of the facts. How many of you are members of this organization or any black organization that trains your children. Do you even know what the mission of the NAACP and this new leadership? I don’t know why an invitation was extended to this individual and this company but I can enquirer because I am a member. The NAACP does a lot to help educate our Youth and Colleges about their civil and human rights. Many of our Black organization only want to train on separation from your past instead of learning from your past by knowing YOUR HISTORY.. I only ask that you don’t throw out the baby with the bath water get all the information and then become involve so you can become part of the change you truly want to see. Love you..
bobby g
May 1, 2012 at 11:34 pm
That’s so stupid , it doesn’t even deserve a comment. The NAACP needs new leadershiwp
bobby g
May 1, 2012 at 11:34 pm
That’s so stupid , it doesn’t even deserve a comment. The NAACP needs new leadership.
I
justjones
May 1, 2012 at 11:51 pm
I agree with Dr. Boyce, but think he goes in much harder on Ms. Ford, a VICTIM of this racist/white supremacist system, than on Wells Fargo, owned by the white supremacist perpetuators of this racist/ white supremacist system.
THE PROBLEM IS WHITE PEOPLE!
Darealiss1
May 2, 2012 at 12:56 pm
Influence, influence, influence! Sex, money, and women always seem to find there way into a respected situation. The NAACP has been on the decline lately, as far as popularity, as well as relevancy. So this shameful attempt to do nothing more than draw a crowd, failed miserably. Try again guys!
Ms Ford's Sister
May 3, 2012 at 5:56 pm
You all have made very valid points in regards to what is happening with the NAACP but to focus on Melyssa as proof of the downfall of this organization was completely uncalled for.
Let us remember that we are all human beings and that she like many of you is someone’s daughter, someone’s sister, she is more than the pictures you see or the videos you may have watched; she is a real person with feelings just like you and I. Take a moment and ask yourselves how you would feel if these comments were directed at you or someone that you love, you would probably have chosen your words more carefully. Let me make things perfectly clear for those of you who think you know “all things Melyssa Ford” my sister has never been a stripper and she didn’t have to sleep around to get to where she is today. It is her natural beauty and the beauty that lies within her (which you wouldn’t know anything about) that has taken her from being in music videos, to talk shows, to radio shows and to the place she is know where she can reach out to this desperate generation of young people who thinks it okay to be degraded in a music video. She speaks out on the issues of today like Aids, young girls self-esteem and the list goes on and who better to get their attention than someone who has been there and can warn them about the possible pitfalls of the industry and how to avoid them. She is not going to apologize to all the self-righteous for the choices she has made instead she is going to take this opportunity, hold her head high and spread the message that she has been given. Most of us have not lived a life without spot or blemish but I can guarantee you this, that the perception you have about Melyssa based on the pictures you see is all wrong. Melyssa,baby girl, you just continue use what God gave you (ther will always be haters) and walk through any and every door He opens for you and as far as all the negative comments….”people in glass houses should not throw stones”
Marcia L Dyson
May 4, 2012 at 5:12 pm
Hello Dr. Boyce Watkins,
I hear you on your comments about your expectations as to who can and should address the masses who come to the NAACP’s annual convention.
I applaud Roslyn Brock for reaching out to the younger generation as not to leave anyone behind.
If we were to rest solely on the morals of past African American leaders whom we lift, then Dr. King, Jr., would not have a seat at NAACP’s banquet table. As we read the personal account of his life, we note that his extra-martial affairs during the movement were many and frequent.
I happen to mentor Melyssa Ford. I challenge her on the public perception of what she appears to be as to whom I know she is not. She uses her past to talk with young girls as a peer and not from a high pious perch. She has gone to Haiti with me to change the lives of the women there and she comes to campuses and lifts young women with her positive messages of allowing oneself to become exploited.
I have seen in situations where she was approached and retreated the advances of the disrespectful and gazers of her “I don’t hate you for it ” body.
If fact, if Melyssa can’t speak to others to empowers, I too am not in a position to do so based on my past. I try hard to be a brother’s keeper and work more diligently to be a sister’s keeper because most women have been harmed and damaged in some way or have co-op themselves and their self-respect in order to be seen and hear.
We all wish we could have saved Tupac, prayed for O.J. Simpson and Mike Tyson. We rush to pardon our male leaders for their indiscretions and not women.
For Melyssa, I conclude with a line from Rev. T.D. Jake’s sermons, “you might have done what they said you did, but you are NOT what they say you are.”
I would have Melyssa anywhere by my side to uplift and not tear down our people.