[NFBMI-Talk] NFB of Michigan - Call for State President Resignation

[tara.morgan180 at gmail.com]

Ms. Tara Morgan
Michigan Affiliate Board Member

Detroit Chapter Board Member, Communications Chair
December 18, 2024

 

Dear Michigan Affiliate,

 

I am writing to express my profound disappointment and concern regarding the
recent appointments of committee chairs within the Michigan affiliate of the
National Federation of the Blind (NFB). As someone who is deeply invested in
fostering inclusivity and empowerment within the blind community, I find
these decisions troubling and inconsistent with the core philosophy of our
organization. Neither Darryl Rice nor I have been assigned committee
appointments, and neither of us has had any contact, whether through state
board meetings or other communications, since the state convention in
October 2024. Furthermore, a recent email from Sheila Fulmore to the
Michigan affiliate board alleged that board members made disparaging
comments about other affiliate leaders. These allegations are untrue and
baseless, and such claims only serve to undermine trust and unity within our
organization.

 

The National Federation of the Blind has long stood as a beacon of equality,
advocacy, and opportunity for blind individuals. It is therefore
disheartening that two qualified individuals with close working
relationships to Sabrina Rice-whose dedication to our shared mission is
well-known-were excluded from these appointments. Our absence does not
reflect the principles of inclusiveness and fairness that the NFB strives to
uphold. It was the NFB and the people within the membership that allowed me
to grow despite my vision loss and strive to do for others what was done for
me.

 

The current climate within the Michigan affiliate has become increasingly
troubling. Rather than fostering a supportive and collaborative environment
aligned with the mission and philosophy of the National Federation of the
Blind, the atmosphere has shifted to one of division and discord. This is
not the organization I believed in when I joined, and it does not reflect
the principles of equality, empowerment, and mutual respect that should
guide our work. Moreover, the decision to leave two board members out
highlights a broader issue within our Michigan affiliate: a lack of openness
and inclusion that fosters an atmosphere of support and encouragement for
all members. Instead, there appears to be a growing culture of intimidation
and exclusivity that runs counter to the collaborative spirit necessary for
meaningful progress. When individuals are marginalized or their
contributions undervalued, the entire blind community suffers.

 

I fully support the call made by Mark Eagle and Fred Wurtzel for Michigan
affiliate president Robert Parsons to step down. The issues listed in both
of their emails are true and not becoming as an affiliate. Leadership must
exemplify the values we stand for, and the ongoing tensions and lack of
inclusivity under the current leadership have made it clear that a change is
necessary to restore confidence and move forward as a united affiliate.

 

It is therefore imperative that we refocus on our shared mission to improve
opportunities for blind individuals and foster a supportive community that
lifts everyone up. I urge the affiliate's leadership to take immediate steps
toward rebuilding trust and creating an atmosphere that values open
communication, respect, and collaboration. Our collective strength lies in
embracing diverse perspectives, skills, and voices, and in creating an
environment that prioritizes mentorship, encouragement, and mutual respect.

 

Thank you for your attention to this important matter. 

 

Sincerely,
Ms. Tara Morgan
Michigan Affiliate Board Member

Detroit Chapter Board Member, Communications Chair