Benjamin Chavis

Re “No Time for NAACP to Make a ‘Safe’ Choice,” Opinion, Aug. 28:

Prof. Derrick Bell has once again scored a “home run,” in my opinion. Where would African Americans, in particular, and all other Americans be if we always had only “safe” persons to lead us in doing the right thing? Those women and men who make a difference in the lives of people are those whose philosophy and “ways of doing” are, oftentimes, unconventional at best.

I, like Bell, am gravely concerned with the plight of all the dispossessed in this country, but particularly those who are black.

As a longtime member of the NAACP, I am hopeful that former executive director Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. will be replaced by a person with vision, experience in working with all kinds of people, and one who is not enshrouded with the “safe” mantle, but one who is committed to continuing the long struggle in making America a “safe” haven for respecting the diversity that should be a hallmark of this republic.

JESSE PERRY JR., San Diego

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I am sad to see yet another fine institution such as the NAACP come under the severe and often sensationalized scrutiny of the American mainstream media. Even though the alleged actions of one individual have brought this type of focus on the NAACP, the group has successfully come through this difficult time with its integrity intact.

The quick, decisive and appropriate measures taken against Chavis should serve as a model for other organizations, government, etc., in dealing with these and other serious issues in the future.

WILL V. BRASWELL III, Los Angeles