CT Post scribe Brian Lockhart profiles the new local leader of NAACP George Mintz.
“If I need to mobilize the community and have 5,000 people tie up traffic in Bridgeport to make a point, then yes, I’m willing to do that,” he said. “But that will come after I have had the opportunity to dialogue. I don’t ever approach anything from attack mode.”
Supporters say Mintz is just the thoughtful and dogged leader the local National Association for the Advancement of Colored People needs as it relaunches itself after being sidelined by controversy for two years.
“Maybe it’s time for a level-headed person to get in there,” said Councilwoman Mary McBride-Lee, D-135. “The rest of us might be a little rowdy, but as a leader he should be able to sit down and talk to people. If it doesn’t work, I’m sure he knows what to do.”
Full story here.
George brought the story of Juneteenth and the delayed recognition of the end of slavery in Texas to my attention several years ago. It was a real part of American history that was new to me. George has been excellent with his educational approach and event hospitality.
If as leader of a re-formed NAACP he continues the educational role and also provides an objective and measured watchdog function, the community will be better for it in my opinion. If potential unregistered voters become registered, that is good as well.
Perhaps the biggest chance in our community will occur when those who are registered but have failed to become informed and/or failed to regularly vote, return to the polls in significant numbers on election day, each cycle.
Time will tell.
A big shout-out to George. He is a true gentleman with a sharp mind. However no one should consider these qualities as a sign of weakness. As George pointed out in the article he always seeks dialogue first. But if Bill Finch misinterprets this as a sign of weakness he will quickly realize the error of his ways. I am convinced if loud boisterous public disobedience is needed then George will have the loudest voice.
Because despite what Bill Finch may think, George Mintz is a friend of mine.
Time will tell.