A concerted effort has been made to distort the truth about my intentions, my leadership, my alignments, and my integrity, misleading those who deserve honesty and transparency.
Let me be clear: I did not orchestrate the National NAACP’s intervention in the Columbus Branch. I did not conspire with anyone to remove Nana Watson. I did not join forces with any political party, any corporate interest, or any NAACP leader(s) to take control of this organization. And for those who continue to fail to recognize the power that resides within the people—I did not and do not need to. We are actually building a movement that will hold all of the aforementioned accountable, along with those who have been getting a bit of a free pass when it comes to NAACP membership and trust (especially you, F.O.P.).
I made a simple decision—to step up and run for the presidency of the Columbus NAACP because I believe in the power of this organization and its potential to be a greater force for change. I asked friends to join me in creating a slate that both honors the need for proven leaders to step up with sacrifice and servant leadership and strengthens the credibility and respect of the organization through powerful individuals offering their gifts to a vast and irresistible movement that returns the power to the people, and most of all allows the people to recognize our collective power.
I made those calls to join the movement—nobody called me. I assembled what I am proud to say is a representation of the collective sacrifice we can encourage others to make, and the power we can build when we work together, regardless of how far we have ascended in our own professional careers. These are friends who answered my genuine call to stand with me—not puppets controlled by special interests or politicians. And I will not apologize for having authentic friendships with individuals growing in their own power and influence, rooted in integrity, shared values, and love, rather than transactional relationships built on quid pro quo (I like not owing favors, and I don't owe anyone any, nor does anyone owe me any, for the record).
Should we hide or devalue our friendships? Hell no - we will lean into the trust we have built with one another as we lock arms and go to war now and into the future. Those bonds will not be weakened or broken, only strengthened. We learn from the past to ensure a better tomorrow. We will not be divided nor conquered, and we cannot be afraid to embrace our relationships because others can't conceive of people banding together with integrity, alignment and a shared mission.
Some will try to spin it into something else, but it simply is not. Many people may not believe or understand that, but this is just the beginning. This organization is powering up both top down and from the ground up, and I am excited to continue bringing people into the fold who prioritize community and collective power over personal gain. We are building an army for social justice and the empowerment of the people, and creating a culture of collaboration and trust as we march forward together.
Honoring Nana Watson’s Legacy While Advancing the Future
It is important to acknowledge the legacy of Nana Watson and her unwavering commitment to our community. Her leadership has helped shape the Columbus NAACP and strengthened its role in the fight for justice. She rescued and rebuilt this organization at a time when the organization could have faltered or failed. Personally, she and I have worked together and made an impact through that shared work. At some point, she will be our Immediate Past President and a source of strength and institutional knowledge. Honoring her leadership means not only recognizing the work she has done but also ensuring that the organization continues to evolve, grow, and respond to the challenges ahead.
The Columbus NAACP is not just an organization of the past—it must be a movement for the future. We must build upon the strong foundation that has been laid and forge a new path that aggressively prepares us for the political and legal battles ahead. We are in a defining moment in history, where Black and Brown communities face escalating threats to our civil and human rights. The work before us requires unity, strategic vision, and an unapologetic commitment to building power.
A Vision for the Future, Not a Battle Over the Past
The future of the Columbus NAACP lies in how we position it to be a true agent of change in a rapidly shifting political and social landscape. Our success depends on our ability to harness intergenerational wisdom, elevate emerging leadership, and implement a bold, collective agenda that creates real, lasting impact—now and for generations to come.
I am running for this position because I believe the Columbus NAACP must be a vehicle for sustained change. I envision an organization that:
Develops a long-term strategic power-building plan that ensures continuity of leadership, fosters resilience, and builds a legacy of sustained impact. Our leadership will be fluid, adaptable, and always strategic.
Shifts from reactive activism to proactive advocacy and systemic change—tackling critical issues such as voting rights, economic empowerment, and legal resistance against harmful policies. The scope of our agenda will be vast, and no—it won’t be listed here, because strategy requires discernment and foresight.
Empowers collaboration over hierarchy. The Columbus NAACP’s agenda will not be dictated from the top down but will be co-created—fueled by think tanks that bring together seasoned thought leaders, emerging change agents, and everyday people whose voices have too often been overlooked. We will lean on committee work and task forces powered by talented collaborators fueling our collective brilliance.
Expands its reach and relevance to become a true incubator for leadership, action, and results—powered by thousands of new members who reinvigorate the Columbus NAACP into an unmovable force rooted in people power.
Builds collective political and legal power to prepare for the battles ahead, ensuring that our rights and protections are not only defended but expanded.
We stand at a pivotal moment, and we cannot afford to be distracted by division. This is about embracing a future where we build a stronger, more united, and more effective NAACP than ever before—one that leads with purpose, strategy, and an unwavering commitment to justice. We are shaping a future where the NAACP thrives as a unified, resilient, and ever-expanding pillar of strength and advocacy.
Standing on Business, Building the Future
To be clear, I refuse to let my name be used to fuel misinformation, and I will stand firm in protecting my own integrity and the integrity of those committed to our collective vision.
Our fight is bigger than any one person. It is about all of us. It is about the generations that will follow and the battles we must prepare them to fight and win.
I invite everyone who believes in a unified, strategic, and bold Columbus NAACP to join in this work. There is a place for all of us in this movement. We are here to win—not for any one individual, but for the collective strength of our people.
This is our moment. Let’s make it count.
In solidarity—and with integrity,
Sean Walton, Jr.
Candidate for President, Columbus NAACP
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