After Much Controversy, Duluth Branch NAACP President is Re-Elected

DULUTH - After being defeated by Classie Dudley, longtime leader Claudie Washington has been re–elected as President of the Duluth branch of the NAACP. Officials tell FOX 21 Dudley was never eligible to be on the ballot for president because of her inconsistent membership status with the civil rights organization. "I will put that to rest by saying the Duluth branch, our membership, recognizes the November 30th, 2014 election as stands,” said Dudley. NAACP members voted again inside the Central Hillside Community Center to right the wrong. Officials say it’s an election that has garnered mixed reaction. "We have to come together as a community,” NAACP Minnsota/Dakotas area state conference President William ‘W.C.’ Jordan said. “We are trying to change things here, it never will be changed if we're divided." Jordan tells FOX 21 the nominating and election committees knew Dudley was ineligible to run."They made a decision that they were going to put her name on the ballot anyway," said Jordan. “They sent a letter to me as the state conference President notifying me that they were taking responsibility for putting her name on the ballot." Then the committees created what Jordan says was an improper ballot. As far as the reason behind their big push to the 22-year old, "Well that's a question that I can't answer locally here,” said Jordan. “She may have had some supporters that were on the nominating committee and maybe there was some sort of confusion." But officials say with politics aside and no matter who wins, the NAACP Duluth branch will press on with a goal to tackle disparities in jobs, education and the social justice system."I feel like we have a number of people who will come forward after this election is over with,” said Jordan. “Help revitalize this branch and help it to move forward." Officials also say they are hoping to cultivate an inclusive and welcoming environment. NAACP membership is open to anyone. Washington was not available for an on camera interview. He tells FOX 21 his vision is to see the local NAACP and community members come together to support the work of the civil rights organization in the Northland. He is also working to create a NAACP college chapter focused on developing leadership skills. Washington tells us he is open to mentoring Dudley.