Bond Responds To Image Award Criticism

Isaiah nominated before remarks

by j. brotherlove

You may remember my post from early March about how Isaiah’s NAACP Image Award pissed me off. It wasn’t chosen for syndication. So when a similar article was posted by New York Blade this week, I was surprised.

Even more interesting, writer James Kirchick got a response from Julian Bond, National Board chair of the NAACP:

Mr. Kirchick:

In reference to your article… candidates for the NAACP’s Image Awards were nominated before Mr. Washington uttered his original regretful remarks; our ballots were prepared and distributed and most of the ballots cast before he uttered his remarks at the Golden Globes.

Those who chose him did so on the basis of their opinion of his acting ability. No endorsement of those remarks was either intended or suggested by the NAACP.

We have since met with Mr. Washington and he apologized; expressing deep remorse over the pain his comments have caused. Since he has no apparent history of bigotry and such behavior we have accepted his apology as sincere.

Julian Bond
Board Chairman

Bond’s response is consistent with a comment left on my original post. Kirchick’s also acknowledges Bond’s commitment to gay rights but wonders what it would take for the NAACP to revoke someone’s nomination for the award.

My take? I’ve moved on.

I’m with you. I’ve moved on.

And, J, thank you. ;-)

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