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Guest Opinion | Ron Matthews: Why I’m Running for President of the Pasadena NAACP

Published on Tuesday, October 29, 2024 | 12:28 pm
 

With the upcoming election on the horizon for leadership within the Pasadena Branch of the NAACP, I am honored to announce my candidacy for branch president. My name is Ronald Matthews, and for more than 30 years, I have dedicated myself to serving this community through my work as former Executive Director of the Alta Pasa Community Improvement Center and in various leadership roles within the NAACP. Today, I stand ready to lead the Pasadena branch with a firm commitment to protecting its legacy and advancing its core mission: advocating for civil rights and justice.

What drives me to seek this position is not a desire for personal or political gain but a deep commitment to the community I’ve served for decades. Unfortunately, in some instances, leadership positions within organizations like ours have been sought for the wrong reasons used as stepping stones for personal advancement rather than as platforms for service. The presidency of this branch, with its 105-year history of championing justice, must never be used as a vehicle for personal or political ambitions.

Since its founding in 1919, the Pasadena NAACP has been a pillar of integrity and civil rights advocacy. Under the leadership of John Wright, Dr Edna Griffin, Ruby McKnight Williams, and more recent presidents like Joe Brown, Gary Moody, Delano Yarbrough, and Allen Edson, the branch has consistently championed the rights of the underserved, held institutions accountable, and provided vital services to the community. This is the legacy I seek to uphold and advance not to use for personal gain, but to continue the tireless work of making our society more equitable for all.

Election Integrity and the Role of Leadership

The integrity of our election process is critical to preserving trust within our organization and our broader community. This is why I believe in the importance of transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership in all aspects of our work. As we look ahead to the future, it is essential that we ensure our elections reflect the values of the NAACP and that every candidate, including myself, adheres to these principles.

Leadership must be rooted in service, and service must always prioritize the needs of the people. My focus as president will be on community driven action and ensuring that the Pasadena NAACP remains a strong and independent voice for civil rights. I commit to operating with the highest level of integrity and transparency, as I have done throughout my career. I believe that the honor of leading this branch comes with the responsibility to serve not to advance one’s own interests.

Reviving Programs, Strengthening Advocacy

As president, my immediate focus will be to reinvigorate some of our key initiatives that have suffered in recent years. Among these is the ACT-SO (Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics) program, a vital platform for nurturing and showcasing the talents of our youth. I will also work to restore youth scholarships to their pre-pandemic levels, ensuring that we continue to invest in the future leaders of our community.

Additionally, my focus will be on expanding membership, fundraising, and strengthening our response to the critical civil rights issues of today. Whether it’s fighting for fair housing, addressing economic inequality, or combating systemic racism, I believe that the Pasadena NAACP must remain on the frontlines of these struggles just as it has been for more than a century.

Preserving Legacy and Looking Ahead

The Pasadena NAACP’s long history has been built on the hard work of leaders who put the community first. It is this tradition of selfless service and tireless advocacy that has made our branch such a respected institution. I have had the privilege of learning from past presidents and through their leadership, I’ve seen what works and what doesn’t. As president, I will draw on their wisdom and my own experience to guide this branch forward.

In conclusion, I am not running for president to gain personal accolades or political favor. I am running because I believe in the power of this organization to change lives and to fight for justice. I believe in the importance of honest leadership, rooted in integrity and transparency, and I am committed to ensuring that the Pasadena NAACP continues to be a powerful voice for civil rights in our community.

I ask for your support in this election not just for me, but for the future of our community and the future of our fight for justice. Together, we can continue the legacy of those who came before us and make an even greater impact for generations to come.

Ronald Matthews
Candidate for President, Pasadena NAACP Branch

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