THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, January 18, 1996 TAG: 9601180403
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY TERRI WILLIAMS, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: SUFFOLK LENGTH: Medium: 59 lines
City Councilman Richard R. Harris has gotten his wish to join the NAACP. But the local president - who is also the new state president - vows to bar him from membership in the Suffolk-Nansemond branch.
Harris, who is white, represents the predominantly black Nansemond Borough, got his membership from the national office, but state and local President Paul C. Gillis is petitioning it to reconsider.
Harris and City Attorney C. Edward Roettger tried to join the local branch last September. They were rebuffed by Gillis and the branch's board, which contended that their ideals didn't fit with the organization's. When contacted Tuesday night, Roettger refused to comment on his NAACP status.
Although Harris said he's ``sorry'' Gillis doesn't want him as a member, he will begin attending meetings as his schedule permits. He has said that joining would help him better understand the constituents of his borough.
``I think it's great,'' Harris said of his membership. ``It's all I ever asked for.''
Gillis said he and the Suffolk-Nansemond branch plan to write to the national headquarters in Baltimore, saying they do not want Harris at their meetings at East End Baptist Church.
``We're not trying to make this a publicity event,'' Gillis said. ``But he's trying to make the local branch look bad. . . . He is a person who has racist ideas.''
Gillis declined to elaborate.
He said his branch, according to NAACP bylaws, may send documentation opposing a membership. Gillis said the opposition letter is to be considered by the national board when it meets Feb. 16 and 17.
Earl T. Shinhoster, acting executive director of the NAACP, said the dispute is ``a unique situation.'' Shinhoster said the NAACP welcomes people of all creeds and ethnic backgrounds.
He said the Suffolk branch would have ``to make a case for it. Whatever they feel about his conduct that's not amicable or does not warrant membership would need to be shown.''
The Virginia State Conference - which oversees about 125 local branches and of which Gillis is president - plans to back the Suffolk branch, said Salim Khalfani, branch and field activities coordinator.
Gillis and Harris have long been at odds over issues including redistricting and infrastructure.
Late last year, Gillis alleged that Harris packs a gun at council meetings ``to protect himself'' from the NAACP leader. Harris, who holds a concealed-weapon permit and who doesn't deny carrying a gun, said he didn't have a gun to protect himself from Gillis.
The Suffolk-Nansemond Branch of the NAACP has white members. ILLUSTRATION: Suffolk City Councilman Richard R. Harris, left, says he will
attend meetings. Branch President Paul C. Gillis, right, is leading
a local and state-level move to block Harris.
by CNB