NAACP Speaks Out Against the Racist and Mysoginist Post made by Former School Board Candidate

Photo courtesy to Facebook

BLOOMINGTON, Ill.- The Bloomington-Normal Branch of the NAACP began planning for a “Meet The Candidates’ Forum” for District 87 and Unit 5 over one week ago.

In the midst of planning the forum, some social media posts surfaced regarding school board candidate, Jon Reed. Reed is now a former candidate.

“Jon Reed’s reprehensible, hateful and detestable language. Reed’s repulsive Facebook posts deeply offended marginalize groups,” said NAACP President Linda Foster, “Reed’s comments clearly show that we are not living in a post-racial society. For those who claim that racism does not exist, we beg to differ, as the evidence proves
otherwise. Not only did we expect Reed to resign, but he also needs to begin the reconciliation process by communicating with all marginalized groups and citizens who were deeply offended by his revolting comments.”

The posts written or shared by Reed exuded vitriol, bigotry, disrespect and disdain for the African American community, the LGBTQ+ community and for women.

Carla Campbell-Jackson, Vice-President of the Branch and NAACP State Officer said, “The systemic racism experienced by African Americans, on a daily basis, is undeniable and unacceptable. Corporations and individuals who claim racism, bigotry and discrimination are figments of the imagination are woefully and fallaciously misguided.”

While the Bloomington-Normal NAACP Branch will proceed with its non-partisan school board candidates’ Forum on March 29, Foster shared that the NAACP is holding every organization and every politician completely accountable for their actions.

“The time is now for organizations, politicians and public safety officers to realize that we will expose their wrong-doings and that we demand expect swift and long-term remediation,” said Foster.

Campbell-Jackson said the racist, homophobic and misogynistic comments allow minority group members, LGBTQ+ and women an opportunity to unite in an effort to dismantle bigotry, maliciousness and vitriol.

“Righteousness shall always prevail,” said Campbell-Jackson.

Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the oldest, boldest, largest and most respected Civil Rights’ organization in the world.

Bloomington Council candidate Nick Becker made a post in response to the racist, homophobic and misogynistic comments made by his seen-as associate.