Friday, September 29, 2000
Time to pass torch, NAACP leader says
By Kevin Aldridge
The Cincinnati Enquirer
When Dr. Milton Hinton was elected president of the Cincinnati chapter of the NAACP in 1994, he planned to keep the job for only two years.
Six years later, the popular civil rights leader is finally saying goodbye.
Dr. Hinton
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Dr. Hinton, 73, said he will not seek a fourth term leading the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, “come hell or high water.”
“It was never my intent to make a career out of being president of the NAACP,” Dr. Hinton said Thursday while sitting in his Walnut Hills office. “I don't think it is a career position, quite frankly, for anyone.”
The NAACP's executive board has formed a five-member committee to seek nominations of candidates for the presidency. Names of the leading candidates were not revealed Thursday.
Dr. Hinton's term ends Dec. 31. The organization's new president will take over Jan. 1, 2001.
Under Dr. Hinton's leadership, local NAACP membership has jumped from about 700 when he first took office to 3,500. He has revived dormant committees, where most of the organization's nuts-and-bolts work is done; increased youth involvement; attracted more white members and pushed for more voter registration among African-Americans.
“His impact on the organization has been incredible,” said Johnathan Holifield, NAACP first vice president. “Principally, he stabilized the organization, got all 12 committees up and running, made it fiscally responsible and engaged all activities at a high level and in a dignified manner in his tenure as president.
“I think what separates a man like Hinton from others in leadership positions is that Hinton brought stature and credibility to the presidency,” Mr. Holifield said. “He didn't derive notoriety, credibility or stature from the position.”
Dr. Hinton, a retired University of Cincinnati administrator, also did not shy away from controversy.
In 1994, when he had barely settled into his post, he led protesters who were upset by the Enquirer's depiction of black men in a series on the Ohio parole system.
He later organized a coalition of a dozen groups to demand discipline for police officers involved in the controversial arrests and shootings of black residents.
Most recently, Dr. Hinton led the NAACP to join a lawsuit against a local insurance company accused of “redlining,” the systematic refusal to lend money or issue insurance in low-income and black neighborhoods. The company later reached a settlement with the NAACP in which it agreed to cease discriminatory practices.
“I have never doubted Dr. Hinton's commitment to justice and freedom and I regard him as one of the city's most outstanding citizens,” said the Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth, 77, who fought alongside Dr. Hinton on various local civil rights issues. “He has made a great contribution to this city and I'm sure many — both black and white — regret his decision to retire.”
“Dr. Hinton kept the NAACP in the forefront of civil rights battles in this city,” added the Rev. Damon Lynch Sr., pastor of New Jerusalem Baptist Church in Carthage. “The NAACP was more active under (Dr. Hinton) than it had been in recent years. Hopefully that will continue under whoever the new leader is.”
Juanita Adams, NAACP second vice president, said the nominating committee met Thursday night to discuss who would be included on the slate of potential candidates. She said the NAACP should have a better idea of who will be on that list today.)
Local NAACP members agree Dr. Hinton's successor has big shoes to fill.
“Dr. Hinton has taken the NAACP to another level,” said Ms. Adams, 65, of Paddock Hills. “He has addressed issues that have come before the NAACP and he has done it without compensation or fear of reprisal. He has been instrumental in giving people of color in Cincinnati a strong voice. He is really going to be a hard act to follow.”
Dr. Hinton said he has deliberately stayed out of the nominating process “because I do not want it to be said that whoever the successor is is Hinton's choice.”
The North Avondale man said now is a good time for him to turn over the reins of the organization.
“We (NAACP) have financial stability, an active, responsible and supportive board, and our committees and their programs are very active,” Dr. Hinton said. “When the members brought me in they wanted aggressive leadership. I believe that I have given them that.”
Dr. Hinton said he plans to spend his time fishing and with family.
“I want to be able to wake up every morning and say, "What am I going to do today?'” he said. “For once I want to know what retirement is really like.”
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