NAACP Providence Leadership Removed Amid Investigation

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The NAACP Providence office stands vacant as leadership changes occur.

News Summary

The Providence branch of the NAACP has dismissed its leadership following investigations into financial irregularities. Former president Gerard Catala is at the center of the investigation, which has been referred to the FBI. Concerns have been raised about adherence to bylaws and missing financial reports, resulting in operational challenges for the branch. The national office has taken control and canceled elections while seeking records from branch members. Community leaders are urging the need for renewed leadership to address civil rights issues.

Providence – The leadership of the Providence branch of the NAACP has been relieved of their duties following an investigation into alleged financial irregularities. The national office of the NAACP confirmed the removal, stating that the investigation centers around former president Gerard Catala.

Providence police Commander Timothy O’Hara has acknowledged that the investigation involves potential financial issues within the branch, and due to the nature of the allegations, the case has been referred to the FBI. The NAACP’s Office of the General Counsel has taken the step of filing a police report with the Providence Police Department, specifically focusing on Gerard Catala, as opposed to any other former leaders of the branch.

As a direct result of these developments, an emergency meeting was held on Tuesday to inform members of the Providence branch about the leadership changes. All former officers of the branch have now been dismissed following the internal investigation initiated by the national office. Concerns have been voiced about the adherence to bylaws and rules, with NAACP vice president Ericka Cain noting that necessary protocols have not been followed.

In the wake of the investigation, the national office is seeking various records from Providence branch members, including meeting minutes and treasury reports. There will also be a moratorium on scheduled elections and events until further notice as the situation unfolds.

Currently, police have not reviewed any financial records related to the branch, and as of reporting, the branch is facing significant operational challenges. The national office of the NAACP has taken control of the Providence branch amid the turmoil following Catala’s suspension. The branch has also vacated its office, canceled elections, and removed its website, indicating a breakdown in operation prior to intervention.

Significantly, it has come to light that annual financial reports were not filed during Catala’s presidency. This lapse has raised concerns among state officials regarding the potential for the loss of the branch’s tax-exempt status. It was noted that Catala failed to meet rental obligations for the branch’s office, having neglected to pay rent for six months before vacating the premises.

Additionally, Catala has a history of legal issues, having been convicted of violating state campaign finance laws and is presently appealing that conviction. Reports indicate that he leaves behind over $42,000 in unpaid fines related to unfiled campaign finance reports.

As of now, the Providence branch is under the administrative control of the NAACP national office, which has appointed new interim leadership to stabilize the situation. The branch’s office located on Broad Street is currently vacant, and its website is non-operational according to the latest updates.

The branch’s decline has stirred concerns among former members and community leaders alike. Many are expressing heartache over the inactivity of the branch, particularly given the pressing civil rights issues affecting diverse communities. Former members have highlighted the urgent need for the NAACP to reestablish an active presence in the community to advocate for civil rights and social justice.

State officials have pointed to the failure to file necessary financial reports as a significant factor that has contributed to the Providence branch’s current predicament. Community leaders have conveyed the importance of reviving the branch amid ongoing civil rights challenges, stressing the need for renewed leadership and engagement with the community.