(BALTIMORE – October 11, 2024) – In recent weeks, the reputation of Joshua Harris, a dedicated volunteer and Treasurer of the Maryland NAACP, has been unjustly tarnished by misleading accusations and sensationalized media reports. As someone who has witnessed Mr. Harris’s unwavering commitment to Black people, I feel compelled to set the record straight.
Joshua Harris is not just a volunteer; he represents the changing of the guard in an ineffectual organization drowning in scandal and financial disarray. When he assumed the role of Treasurer, he didn’t find a well-oiled machine—he uncovered a financial quagmire that would send most of us running for the hills.
When Josh took over:
- There were no treasurer’s reports for the whole 4-year term of the previous administration.
- He found undisclosed bank accounts and secret payments to contracts for work that was not being done.
- He discovered that the previous administration forged the Secretary’s signature on a falsified 2023 financial report.
Lesser individuals might have walked away. Not Josh Harris.
Instead, he rolled up his sleeves and got to work. He didn’t just identify problems; he proposed solutions:
- He pushed for hiring a professional bookkeeper.
- He reported issues to the national office, seeking guidance and support.
- He began the Herculean task of untangling years of financial neglect.
These are not the actions of someone with something to hide. These are the actions of a man committed to restoring trust and accountability.
The allegations against Mr. Harris are not just misleading – they insult the essence of volunteer service. Let’s be crystal clear: Joshua Harris does not receive a salary. None of the officers do. The funds maliciously labeled as “salaries” are nothing more than funds set aside to reimburse officers for out-of-pocket expenses incurred while serving the NAACP’s mission. To suggest otherwise is not just inaccurate; it’s an insult to the sacrifices made by these dedicated individuals.
Critics have twisted legitimate organizational expenses into something nefarious. A ceremony to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and swear in the new officers – attended by hundreds – has been mischaracterized as frivolous spending. Over several months, travel reimbursements for multiple officials have been conflated into an imaginary slush fund. These distortions undermine the NAACP’s critical work and the volunteers who make it possible.
Joshua Harris didn’t create the financial mess he inherited but had the courage to face it head-on. He has consistently pushed for greater transparency, improved financial controls, and accountability at every level. These are not the actions of someone with something to hide; they are the hallmarks of a leader committed to positive change.
The public airing of these baseless accusations does more than tarnish one man’s reputation; it threatens to undermine the vital work of the NAACP itself. At a time when our community needs strong civil rights advocacy more than ever, we cannot afford to let misinformation and character assassination derail our mission.
I call on all fair-minded individuals to look beyond the sensational headlines and consider the facts. Joshua Harris worked tirelessly in a challenging situation to bring order to chaos. He deserves our gratitude, not our condemnation.
It’s time to end this witch hunt and allow Mr. Harris and the NAACP to focus on their crucial work. The real scandal here is not in Mr. Harris’s actions but in the rush to judgment that has unfairly maligned the man. Joshua Harris has stood up for our community; now it’s time for our community to stand up for him.
Andy Pierre is the founder and CEO of Fox & Lion Communications, LLC, a marketing firm in Baltimore. With over a decade of experience in political strategy, he has managed campaigns for various candidates across Maryland. He served as Joshua Harris’ campaign manager during his run for Mayor of Baltimore City and has remained a close friend, providing him with unique insights into Harris’ character and commitment to public service.
