[Ohio-Talk] Right on Brother

[Eric Duffy]

Hello Eric and Boss:
 
Below is what I just wrote to the NFB OF OHIO list.
 
I wanted both of you too see it just in case they don’t post it, ok?
 
Eric, can you make sure that it gets out their for me please?
 
From: Smith, JW 
Sent: Monday, November 14, 2022 11:15 AM
To: 'NFB of Ohio Announcement and Discussion List' <ohio-talk at nfbnet.org <mailto:ohio-talk at nfbnet.org>>
Subject: Some Comments About Barbara Pierce
 
DEAR NFB OF OHIO FAMILY, FRIENDS AND COLLEAGUES
 
I affectionately, lovingly and respectfully call Barbara Pierce Boss.
 
There are two other women leaders that I call Boss for these same reasons.
 
There is only one male leader that I would have called this and that was Dr. Jernigan but I never did because I felt that even that word or Title did not capture the outstanding leader and man that he was and still is in my heart and experiences with him.
 
I have learned that Barbara Pierce has resigned from the NFB OF OHIO Board and this news not only deeply saddened me but I received it with such sorrow and disappointment!
 
How many of you know how much time, treasure and tenacity that Barbara and her husband and family have put into this affiliate for the past 50 years that’s right, fifty years?
 
They spent their own money and rarely if ever requested reimbursement and opened their home and everything else to countless members and even nonmembers of this affiliate.
 
I would dare say, that many of these past members are literally turning over in their graves with the news of her resignation and coming as a result of these current circumstances.
 
I have been labeled as being too white and not quite black enough whatever that means.
 
Let me tell you if getting a great education, serving as the vice President under the leadership of Barbara pierce for 14 years and succeeding her in that office is being to white then so be it let history sort it all out.
 
About 25 years ago I sat in a meeting in Cleveland Ohio and listened along with my Boss meaning President Barbara Pierce about how racist we were and how we were such bigots then, so I guess based on what I have heard from public comments from some of you, apparently that has not changed in terms of the perceptions of some as far as Barbara Pierce is concerned and of course, you no longer have the white sounding and acting jw around anymore to kick around, right?
 
How dare you use that race card without substantial evidence or proof?
 
The Boss is a lot of things but racist is not one of them from my perspective and experience and those of you that can and maybe did, throw that label and allegation around so lightly and quickly may not know or care how hurtful and indefensible such a branding can be.
 
You are damned if you do and damned if you don’t try to challenge such an allegation.
 
SHAME ON YOU!
 
I am a proud black man that loves this woman and believe me I would be one of the first to confront her if I ever thought she was a racist in anyway!
 
I have not spoken with Barbara about my comments here and I am sure she has cringed a few times while reading some of them but I don’t care I feel that for once and for all this affiliate must confront this issue and deal with it and put it to rest before you lose even more dedicated and genuine people from your ranks.
 
Between 1993 and 2020 it is safe to say that I worked in every possible leadership NFB OF OHIO position so before you blow me off as just a disgruntled friend and Colleague of Barbara Pierce, please consider my almost thirty years of  service to the Ohio affiliate.
 
Their was a time when this affiliate along with others had chapters based on race and ethnicity.
 
DO YOU WANT TO RETURN TO THOSE DAYS AND TIMES OR DO YOU WANT TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE FOR ONCE AND FOR ALL GOING FORWARD?