The Monroe branch of the NAACP is facing internal turmoil as Rev. Cliff Thomas, its president, has become the subject of an Article 10 petition brought by several branch officers and members seeking his removal.
The petition drive, led by branch vice president Don Hopkins, comes after a string of disputes between Thomas and the executive committee. Hopkins told the Free Press that Thomas has repeatedly acted without the board’s approval—calling press conferences, issuing public statements, and involving the branch in controversies that some leaders argue fall outside the NAACP’s civil rights mission.
Among the incidents cited are Thomas’ demand that Richwood Mayor Gerald Brown fire or force the resignation of the town’s police chief over alleged abuse of force concerns, as well as his decision to involve the branch in a local domestic dispute that the board had deemed a personal matter rather than a civil rights issue. When the board declined to back that effort, Hopkins said Thomas accused them of being “hypocrites.”
Tensions erupted at the branch’s August meeting when Rev. Aston Depaul Stubbs, frustrated with Thomas’ leadership, declared that if he encountered wrongdoing, “it will be hell to tell the captain.” Stubbs maintains the remark was not a physical threat but a vow to oppose what he called Thomas’ condescending style.
“It was a challenge to his presidency, not him physically,” said Stubbs.
Thomas, however, interpreted the statement as a threat and had Stubbs arrested, further inflaming divisions within the branch.
In his formal police complaint, Thomas said, “Five minutes prior to the end of the meeting, the defendant holds of $30 membership fee and yelled, “I’m renewing my membership so I can beat the president’s ass.” I stated in a calm voice, those types of outbursts will not be tolerated, and if it happens again, you will be asked to leave, and if it ever happens again, you will not be allowed in any of our meetings. The defendant remained silent for about two minutes, then yelled, “A preacher calling folks hypocrites, yeah, I’m gonna beat your mother fucking ass.”
After that Rev. Thomas said he adjourned the meeting.
Marie Brown, who was present, said Rev. Thomas’s account is not true. She said when Rev. Stubbs renewed his membership, she raised her hand with $30 too and said she would run for president, too. Brown said, Thomas’s account of the incident is absolutely false.
Rev. Stubbs was arrested Tuesday on charges of disturbing the peace and was released after posting a $1,500 bond.
Hopkins said, “The branch does not condone having members arrested simply because the president feels threatened by opposition. That is not how the NAACP operates.”
What Is Article 10?
Article 10 is the NAACP’s formal procedure for removing branch officers who violate its constitution and by-laws, or operating rules. It allows members to file a petition outlining specific allegations, which is then reviewed by the NAACP’s national office. If the national leadership finds sufficient cause, it may hold hearings, impose sanctions, or remove the officer in question.
Article 10 complaints are serious matters, typically reserved for cases where officers are accused of misusing their office, violating the trust of members, or taking actions inconsistent with the mission of the NAACP.
If the Article 10 petition against Thomas is formally filed, the national NAACP will review the documentation submitted by Hopkins and other petitioners. Thomas will be given an opportunity to respond to the allegations. A hearing panel may be convened, which could result in a recommendation ranging from dismissal of the complaint to removal from office.
In the meantime, the controversy threatens to overshadow the branch’s mission at a time when community issues remain pressing. Some members fear that the internal strife could weaken the local NAACP’s credibility and effectiveness.
Rev. Thomas, for his part, insists he is acting in the best interest of the community and says he has been targeted by those uncomfortable with his direct approach.
