Kenny Hardin, Salisbury City Councilman and Candidate for President of the NAACP
♦ After allowing my NAACP membership to lapse, I renewed it earlier today with the intention of running for the President’s office. I’ve been encouraged by the many people who’ve reached out to me via email, text, phone, in person and previously on Facebook asking me to seek the office in the upcoming November election.
My first order of business will be to strengthen the Organization by reaching out to all age demographics and increasing membership. Secondly I would work to build, restore and maintain relationships with members, potential members, external businesses, benefactors and entities that can support the goals of ensuring fairness and equity for the poor, the disadvantaged, people of color and those in the margins.
Finally, I will focus energy and resources on addressing the important issues that are plaguing and undermining our poor and communities of color. Through increased accountability and an analytical, systematic, and proactive approach, I will establish mutually respectful and beneficial partnerships within the NAACP organization and the community at large for viable and sustainable growth and outcomes.
I understand we are experiencing an unprecedented climate of racial insensitivity and divisiveness. As the NAACP President, I will waste no time or expend any energy trying to prove racism exists or identifying those who espouse it. Instead, I plan to place emphasis on pushing for and ensuring equity, economic growth, a reduction in youth idleness/crime via a lack of programs, increased employment opportunities, and more educational/vocational opportunities for our at risk populations. I don’t subscribe to waiting on being rescued or for others to solve issues you have the means to accomplish yourself. I believe in forging strong relationships, but not at the expense of acquiescing, compromising my integrity or losing the trust of those I will take an oath to serve. Retired US Army General Colin Powell said never allow your ego to get so close to your title that when position goes, your worth goes with it.
I’m looking forward to the November election and will face the challenges with the same spirit, enthusiasm and no nonsense, unapologetic approach I’ve employed since being elected to office. Peace.
