Woman used by NC NAACP former presidents Rev. William Barber and Dr. Anthony Spearman to make false sexual allegations against member in 2017 DISMISSES lawsuit

Jazmyne Childs, a former employee of the North Carolina NAACP, alleged to have been set up in 2017 by former NC NAACP Presidents William J. Barber III and Dr. Anthony T. Spearman to fabricate a false sexual harassment claim and lawsuit against Rev. Curtis Gatewood, has dismissed her lawsuit against him. Childs cited a lack of evidence to support the allegations she previously made.

On November 13, 2023, Childs officially dismissed her frivolous lawsuit against Gatewood.

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ORIGINAL STORY:

WHAT INJUSTICE HAPPENED TO REV. CURITS GATEWOOD?

Dr. Anthony T. Spearman and Rev. William J. Barber II, both former presidents of the North Carolina NAACP, have been accused of orchestrating a scheme to fabricate sexual misconduct allegations against a prominent member to prevent him from assuming the presidency of the NC NAACP.

The alleged aim of the former presidents was to undermine and block Rev. Curtis Gatewood’s candidacy for the state conference presidency in 2017 and 2019. It is further claimed that former NC NAACP President Rev. William J. Barber II knowingly violated the organization’s constitution and bylaws by escorting Jazmyne Childs to a press conference in September 2019, where she made unsubstantiated allegations against Rev. Gatewood.

During a public statement, Jazmyne Childs accused her former employer, Rev. Gatewood, of sexual harassment during her brief tenure at the NC NAACP. However, Childs did not disclose that she and her associate, Tyler Swanson, had been on the verge of termination by Rev. Gatewood several months prior to her allegations due to their failure to meet professional standards, negative influence, and habitual tardiness.

Three months before Childs made baseless accusations against Rev. Gatewood in May 2017, Rev. Gatewood had been considering not renewing Childs’s contract with the state conference.

In an email obtained by The North Carolina Beat, Rev. Gatewood reminded NC NAACP leaders that Childs’s contract had expired on February 17, 2017. He also expressed a desire to discuss with Rev. Barber the plans for renewing or extending the contracts for both Childs and Swanson.

READ EMAIL BELOW:

Ultimately, Rev. Barber disregarded Rev. Gatewood’s request to have input in determining the futures of Childs and Swanson with the NC NAACP and extended both of their contracts—a decision Rev. Gatewood opposed for the reasons mentioned earlier.

Criticism of Rev. Gatewood intensified as opposition grew from Childs, Swanson, Rev. Barber, and eventually Dr. Spearman, who sided with Rev. Barber’s decision to renew the contracts of two individuals Rev. Gatewood believed lacked the “ethical and moral responsibility” required to work for a social justice organization.

Both Rev. Barber and Dr. Spearman were also reportedly aware that Rev. Gatewood posed a potential threat to their personal agendas, influence, funding, positions, and alleged efforts to conceal internal financial misconduct.

One potential reason for Rev. Barber’s decision to extend Swanson’s contract could be their close personal relationship. This was evidenced by Swanson’s replacement of Barber’s son, William Barber III, as the NC NAACP Youth Field Secretary.

Sources indicate that Swanson had a personal connection to the Barber family, having lived with two of Rev. Barber’s children and frequently providing transportation for his daughter to the NCCU campus. Swanson’s tardiness to work was often attributed to these responsibilities. Nonetheless, Rev. Gatewood remained impartial and performed his duties, despite Swanson’s personal ties to Barber, his family, or his church.

Swanson’s close relationship with the Barber family reportedly led him to believe he was exempt from adhering to established guidelines, policies, staff meetings, and directives from Rev. Gatewood, especially during Rev. Barber’s absence from the office, according to sources.

Over time, Swanson’s behavior allegedly shifted toward surveillance of Rev. Gatewood, including attempts to record him and gain unauthorized access to his internal emails. Swanson was also accused of spreading gossip, mischaracterizing, undermining, and sabotaging Rev. Gatewood.

When Jazmyne Childs made allegations against Rev. Gatewood, doubts arose within the NC NAACP and across the state regarding the credibility of her claims.

One of Childs’ allegations involved an incident on May 2, 2017, during a surprise going-away party for a co-worker. Childs alleged that Rev. Gatewood pressed his genitals against her buttocks but did not report the incident to then-NC State Secretary Sylvia Barnes, who was present at the event.

During the bias investigation against Rev. Gatewood, Barnes reportedly stated that she had not witnessed any inappropriate behavior by him toward women or observed any improper interactions between Childs and Gatewood.

According to sources, Rev. Barber and Dr. Spearman allegedly concealed the final report and its findings from Rev. Gatewood. The report is also claimed to have downplayed Barnes’ statement that she had not observed any inappropriate interaction between Childs and Rev. Gatewood. Additionally, the report is said to contain significant amounts of gossip, hearsay, and unverified accusations.

Furthermore, it is alleged that the two former presidents withheld the report from the NC NAACP Executive Committee. Attorney April Dawson, reportedly hired improperly by Rev. Barber to investigate Childs’ allegations against Rev. Gatewood, is alleged not to have been an “independent investigator.”

Sources claim Dawson had direct associations with the NC NAACP Legal Redress Committee Chair, a radio talk show program called Legal Eagle Review, and membership on the Democracy NC Board of Directors.

Dawson’s investigation has been criticized for lacking impartiality due to her direct connections with Rev. Barber, thus disqualifying her as an “Independent Investigator.” 

An investigator who is confirmed to be directly connected to a particular influential party or party associated with an investigation, the investigator is no longer said to be “independent.”

Sources indicate that her report relied on unsubstantiated rumors, hearsay, biases, and hidden agendas. Consequently, Rev. Gatewood was denied the presumption of innocence, due process, and equal protection under the law.

In 2019, the NC NAACP Election Procedural Committee issued a statement addressing Dawson’s report and the press conferences held on September 18, 2019, which were found to violate the NAACP constitution and bylaws.

The North Carolina Beat has obtained the statement, which is provided below:

Subsequently, another press conference, held on September 25, 2019, also violated the NAACP constitution and bylaws. It was led by Rev. Barber and Jazmyne Childs to address issues from the previous conference.

According to sources, more than 50 NAACP leaders across North Carolina filed complaints against Rev. Barber and Dr. Spearman, alleging that they targeted and mistreated Rev. Gatewood during and after the time of Childs’ allegations.

Rev. Curtis Gatewood, renowned for his commitment to social justice, has never been charged with any violent, sexual, or harmful acts toward others.

Sources reveal that his arrests were solely connected to acts of civil disobedience during peaceful protests against various injustices affecting Black Americans and other vulnerable populations.

At the time of these baseless allegations, the Greensboro Youth Advisor—the largest youth council of the NC NAACP—addressed the mistreatment of Rev. Gatewood and the misrepresentation of his character among youth and young adults.

READ THE LETTER BELOW:

The NC NAACP State Youth & College Advisor Rena McNeil also wrote a letter about Rev. Gatewood.

READ LETTER BELOW:

The NC NAACP 2nd Vice President also filed a complaint. The complaint was against Rev. Barber about how he was mistreating Rev. Gatewood at the time.

READ NC NAACP 2ND VICE PRESIDENT COMPLAINT AGAINST REV. BARBER BELOW:

Numerous letters were reportedly sent to the National NAACP concerning the mistreatment of Rev. Gatewood by Rev. Barber and Dr. Spearman.

On June 17, 2018, Attorney Crystal M. Richardson issued a “Cease and Desist” order prohibiting Rev. Gatewood from participating in NC NAACP activities. The order was criticized as unfair, unprecedented, unreasonable, and unconstitutional. Richardson further noted that it was based on unsubstantiated allegations and lacked due process.

A 2018 letter addressed to Rev. Gatewood by Dr. Spearman also included the signature of Rev. Barber, despite him no longer serving as the state president at the time.

READ CEASE AND DESIST LETTER BELOW:

Now read Attorney Crystal M Richardson response to the above letter below:

Since the age of 10, Rev. Curtis Gatewood has actively participated in the NAACP, demonstrating leadership and organizing social justice initiatives within the African American community. He has held various local and state leadership positions within the NAACP and has coordinated significant mobilizations in North Carolina.

Rev. Curtis Gatewood has been a key figure in numerous social justice initiatives, including but not limited to:

• 1,000 Men March Against Violence & Self-Hatred (Spearheaded in Durham, NC, 1995)
• The Million Man March (Co-Convener for Durham, NC, 1995)
• One of the First Americans to Publicly Protest President George W. Bush’s Planned Wars in Afghanistan and Iraq (Durham, NC, September 15, 2001)
• Moral Monday (Pioneer, coalition coordinator, and organizer, 2013–2017)
• One Nation Working Together (NC Director, 2010)
• America’s Journey for Justice (NC Coordinator, 2015)
• Historic Thousands on Jones Street (HKonJ) People’s Assembly (Pioneer, Mobilization Chair, and Coalition Coordinator, 2006–2017)

Rev. Gatewood’s dedication to social justice has earned him numerous awards from the NAACP, including:

• Youngest Elected Durham NAACP Branch President (1995)
• NC NAACP Branch President of the Year (Durham NAACP, 1996)
• NC NAACP Branch of the Year (Durham, NC, 1996)
• Highest NAACP Membership Percentage Increase in the Southeast Region (Durham NAACP, 1997)
• Durham NAACP Freedom Fund Banquet Honoree (1997)
• Shaw University NAACP Award (1998)
• Elected NC NAACP 2nd Vice President (2005)
• NC NAACP President’s Award (Barber Administration, 2010)
• NC NAACP America’s Journey for Justice Award (Barber Administration, 2015)
• NC NAACP President’s Award (Barber Administration, 2016)

Rev. Gatewood was also recognized as the longest-serving staff member under the Barber Administration during his tenure with the NC NAACP.

In 2017, Rev. Gatewood’s candidacy for NC NAACP President coincided with allegations of sexual harassment brought forward by Childs. These allegations surfaced after Rev. William Barber announced his resignation as NC NAACP President. Rev. Gatewood has consistently denied the allegations, asserting they were politically motivated to undermine his campaign.

After the completion of an internal report by Dawson in 2017, Rev. Gatewood was not allowed to review the findings. Instead, Rev. Barber and his allies reportedly shared the report with the media. This occurred two years later, just one month before the 2019 NC NAACP Presidential election, in which Rev. Gatewood was expected to win decisively.

Critics have suggested that the motivations behind the actions of Rev. Barber and other former leaders were political. This claim is further supported by their alleged disregard for serious sexual assault allegations made against Xena Eriksen of the Raleigh-Apex NAACP branch. The focus appeared to be solely on preventing Rev. Gatewood from assuming the presidency of the NC NAACP.

The question arises as to why Rev. Barber chose to bring forward Jazmyne Childs in September 2019, just one month before the NC NAACP election, to publicly make false allegations regarding events that allegedly occurred two years earlier, in 2017.

It appears this move was an attempt to undermine Rev. Gatewood’s strong prospects of being elected as the NC NAACP President.

Additionally, Childs’ press conference on September 25, 2019, is alleged to have violated the NAACP constitution and bylaws, specifically Article X, Section 4(a), according to sources within the National NAACP.

A member who commences any external action, suit, or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, against any of the foregoing, shall have his or her membership automatically revoked.

It is argued that Childs and all NAACP members involved in the press conference should have had their memberships automatically revoked under Article X, Section 4a, due to the external nature of the event.

In September 2019, Childs filed an Article X internal complaint with the National NAACP prior to the September 25, 2019, press conference, but later engaged in an external action.

When Childs had her “come-to-Jesus” moment and realized her membership could be revoked, she reportedly wrote a letter to the National NAACP requesting either a hearing or the dismissal of her initial complaint, according to sources.

In the lawsuit against Rev. Gatewood, Childs also named the National NAACP as a defendant, alleging that it failed to revoke Rev. Gatewood’s membership based on her accusations. However, sources argue that Childs’ own membership should have been revoked for violating the NAACP constitution and bylaws during the press conference.

Rev. Gatewood’s NAACP membership was suspended for two years without due process or any evidence to support Childs’ claims. Despite her violation of the NAACP constitution and bylaws, Childs has faced no punishment.

It is alleged that Dawson, the so-called “independent investigator” in this case, was paid through financial misconduct orchestrated by Rev. Barber.

When the NC NAACP went into receivership, Gloria Sweet-Love, the administrator, reprimanded the organization, stating that releasing the Article X complaints filed against then-President Anthony T. Spearman and former President William J. Barber II would further damage the NAACP’s reputation, and thus, releasing them was not an option.

READ Gloria Sweet-Love Letter BELOW:

Sweet-Love said other Article X complaints included: 

“Payments made to individuals (not in budget) without prior approval of the Executive Committee; Disbursement made to individuals and vendors without prior approval or reporting to the Executive Committee; Monies/donations at rallies and events not accounted for in financial report; Lack of transparency in communications between the President, Secretary, and Treasurer; Duties of the Secretary assigned to others without her knowledge or consent; Bypassing the Secretary in the signing of vouchers for disbursement; Ignoring requests for an audit of State Conference finances by an independent auditor for several years; the North Carolina State Conference has and continues to operate in a manner that ignores the sovereignty of the National Office.”

Sweet-Love revealed that Rev. Barber, Dr. Spearman, and the treasurer at the time, Daphne Holmes-Johnson, were allegedly involved in financial misconduct within the NC NAACP Executive Committee. This misconduct included unauthorized payments, disbursements to individuals not included in the budget, unapproved payments, and payments made without the knowledge of the NC NAACP Secretary.

The failure to follow NAACP protocol, which requires the secretary to sign vouchers for payment disbursements, raises concerns about potential impropriety in the hiring and payment of Dawson, the purported “Independent Investigator.”

It is asserted that Dawson’s independence in the investigation was compromised, as she was neither selected nor hired through the legitimate National or NC NAACP process. Rev. Barber’s hiring of Dawson as the investigator is considered non-compliant with NAACP rules and lacking in transparency, failing to align with the required NAACP protocols.

Additionally, it is claimed that he did not involve the collective body of the NC NAACP Executive Members or the Personnel Committee, both of which could have recommended a legitimate independent investigator, such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

According to sources, had the proper process been followed and the evident bias against Rev. Gatewood not been present, Dawson would not have been hired as an “independent investigator.” Rev. Barber and Dr. Spearman are accused of obstructing the NC NAACP Executive Committee from exercising its powers and impeding a fair and impartial investigation, ultimately leading to the exposure of their alleged corruption.

Rev. Curtis Gatewood was unconstitutionally punished.

Sources claim that the checks and balances were not properly implemented in this case. Had they been, the NC NAACP Executive Committee would have prevented the concealment of the completed personnel report from Rev. Gatewood and the Executive Committee for two years. The report would not have been disclosed to the media, especially since it had not been reviewed or authenticated by the NC NAACP’s internal elected officers and Rev. Gatewood.

Had Rev. Barber followed all the rules, the outcome would have been different, and Childs would have been exposed as the liar she truly is, according to sources. On June 8, 2017, Rev. Gatewood tendered his resignation, effective June 15, 2017.

Had the National and NC NAACP hired an independent investigator, rather than Rev. Barber using financial misconduct to do so, Rev. Gatewood would have been cleared before his resignation. Sources informed The North Carolina Beat that the allegations could have been resolved well before the NC NAACP elections in October 2017, 2019, and 2021.

Rev. Gatewood did not resign due to the false allegations but rather to pursue the NC NAACP Presidency.

On June 14, 2017, Rev. Gatewood officially submitted his petition to seek the office of NC NAACP President. The investigation against Rev. Gatewood by Dawson did not commence until October 2017, the month of the NC NAACP election. Sources suggest that she should have initiated her investigation in May 2017, when Childs submitted her claims.

Sources allege that this was a deliberate scheme to prevent Rev. Gatewood from becoming NC NAACP President. While Rev. Barber, Dr. Spearman, and Holmes-Johnson purportedly worked to undermine Rev. Gatewood, they had their own issues, which is why they could not allow him to succeed, as they knew he would expose their corruption.

The National NAACP Interim General Counsel, Janette McCarthy Wallace, sent a letter to then-President Dr. Spearman regarding his failure to provide documents requested by Administrator Gloria Sweet-Love.

On October 19, 2019, the NAACP National Board of Directors placed the North Carolina State Conference under a Level II Administrator-ship for engaging in conduct that was deemed inimical to the best interests of the NAACP. OnFebruary 29, 2020, Administrator Gloria Sweet-Love acting on behalf of the NAACP National Board of Directors, requested that the North Carolina State Conference provide the following documents to the NAACP National Office…To date, the State Conference has not provided any of the requested documents to the NAACP National Office or the NAACP Administrators.

The Interim General Counsel, Attorney Wallace, issued a demand to Dr. Spearman to submit specific documents by March 18, 2021. Failure to comply would result in potential disciplinary action against Dr. Spearman and the entire Executive Committee of the North Carolina State Conference, including suspension or expulsion.

The requested documents pertain to the period from September 2013 to December 2019, covering the administrations of Rev. Barber from 2013 to 2017 and Dr. Spearman from 2017 to 2019.

The National NAACP General Counsel requested the following list of records:

• NC NAACP Executive Committee minutes
• NC NAACP Standing Committee minutes
• NC NAACP bank statements
• NC NAACP monthly financial statements of income
• NC NAACP annual financial reports
• NC NAACP statements regarding stipends, honorariums, staff salaries, employment contracts, contractors, and consultants

Rev. Barber, instead of resigning as previously indicated, remained in office to support Dr. Spearman in allegedly preventing Rev. Gatewood from assuming office. This decision led to the hiring of Dawson, who was reportedly recruited to promote a corrupt narrative.

According to sources, it is not the responsibility of the NAACP to hire individuals to conduct investigations. However, Rev. Barber took it upon himself to remain involved and orchestrate a coordinated attack on Rev. Gatewood, rather than allowing the 1st and 2nd Vice Presidents of the NC NAACP to assist in the investigation of the “sexual harassment” allegations.

Rev. Barber’s actions were perceived as an attempt to prevent Rev. Gatewood from receiving a fair, impartial, expeditious, and transparent investigation, with sources suggesting that he sought to ensure a one-sided outcome without evidence to support Childs’ allegations.

The same oppressive methodologies that Rev. Barber’s advocacy professes to oppose—including wrongful convictions, unfair voting, workers’ rights violations, corruption, discrimination, health care disparities, and the systemic creation of poverty—were allegedly unleashed against Rev. Gatewood.

Despite Rev. Barber’s previous emphasis on conducting thorough research and avoiding being “loud and wrong,” sources claim that he disregarded this principle in his treatment of Rev. Gatewood. It is suggested that Rev. Barber was aware of the inaccuracies in his actions when he publicly attacked Rev. Gatewood in 2019, without engaging in any prior conversation regarding Childs’ accusation.

It is rare to see a leader with a national platform publicly attack someone within his own organization who doesn’t have the same platform to respond, according to sources. One would think that speaking to the press before speaking to the man who is the subject of the investigation is “loud and wrong.” And indeed, it was.

Because the allegations came under Rev. Barber’s administration, it was his responsibility to impartially resolve the matter internally. But instead, he turned it into an all-out assault on Rev. Gatewood. The proof is in the pudding!

Rev. Barber not only denied Rev. Gatewood due process but also violated the basic right of an employee to be informed about the contents of their personnel file.

Rev. Barber refused to allow Rev. Gatewood to review Dawson’s October 2, 2017, investigation report, opting instead to disclose the unverified and confidential report to the media.

Sources suggest that these actions were a form of retaliation by Jazmyne Childs, who made baseless accusations against her supervisor, Rev. Gatewood, in an effort to retain her job. Rev. Barber and Dr. Spearman allegedly supported her in this endeavor to conceal widespread financial misconduct.

Although Dawson’s investigation was completed on October 2, 2017, the report was not published until two years later, just under two weeks before the October 5, 2019, NC NAACP election. Why was that? Because Rev. Gatewood was a candidate and was poised to win the presidency.

At a press conference in September 2019, Rev. Barber, a strong supporter of Dr. Spearman (who was Rev. Gatewood’s political rival), was present. Jazmyne Childs and Tyler Swanson, who were aware of Rev. Gatewood’s intention not to renew their contracts, were also in attendance.

Treasurer Daphne Holmes-Johnson, whose financial misconduct and policy violations—along with any other financial malfeasance connected to Rev. Barber and Dr. Spearman—would have been exposed, audited, and terminated under a Gatewood administration, was also present, according to sources.

On September 15, 2019, Rev. Gatewood participated in the 2019 NC NAACP Election of Officers Candidates Forum, where he distributed brochures outlining his campaign platform. The brochure detailed Rev. Gatewood’s vision for the NC NAACP presidency:

“Rev. Gatewood plans to enact timely audits of our financial records…”

The brochure was distributed to NAACP leaders across the state, including Dr. Spearman and Rev. Barber.

During the initial press conference on September 18, 2019, NC NAACP Treasurer Holmes Johnson’s alleged financial misconduct raised concerns, prompting actions to prevent Rev. Gatewood from assuming the role of NC State Conference President.

Gerald Givens Jr., the 2019 NC NAACP Election Procedural Committee Chair, addressed Holmes-Johnson’s unethical behavior during the 2019 election process.

“As the NC NAACP 2019 Election Procedures Committee Chair, I tried really hard to make sure all candidates were treated fairly. However, one member of our committee, Mrs. Daphne Holmes-Johnson was relentless in the pursuit to hold back a candidate. In the subsequent attachments, you will see I listened extensively to Mrs. Holmes-Johnson and was never presented any. documentation. Nevertheless, this same individual in that Press Conference inappropriately divulged an NAACP personnel record to the world. That’s Unacceptable.”

Holmes-Johnson intentionally withheld an unsubstantiated personnel investigative report from October 2, 2017, commissioned by an alleged “independent investigator” named Dawson, from Rev. Gatewood, the NC NAACP Personnel Committee, the NC NAACP Executive Committee, and the NC NAACP Election Procedures Committee.

Reports indicate that Holmes-Johnson and Rev. Barber were indifferent to whether Rev. Gatewood was innocent of the allegations, as their alleged deliberate intention was to thwart his chances of being elected as NC NAACP President.

In 2017, when baseless allegations surfaced against Rev. Gatewood, he was not perceived as a threat to Rev. Barber, Dr. Spearman, or Holmes-Johnson, as he was deemed ineligible to run for NC NAACP President. However, by 2019, Rev. Gatewood had become a highly qualified candidate for the position.

Rev. Gatewood’s inclusion on the “Official List of Candidates for Office” letter, dated September 25, 2019, and sent out by Carmen Watkins, further solidified his candidacy.

Childs submitted an internal Article X complaint about the “allegations” against Rev. Gatewood to the National NAACP on September 11, 2019. However, on September 18, 2019, Holmes-Johnson took external action by publicly disclosing the Article X complaint just a week after the National NAACP received it.

Furthermore, Childs, Rev. Barber, Holmes-Johnson, and Dr. Spearman’s campaign supporters publicly criticized the National NAACP for being slow to respond to the week-old Article X complaint, which Rev. Barber had held in the state office for over two years and still refuses to share the investigative report with Rev. Gatewood, the NC NAACP Personnel Committee, and the NC NAACP Executive Committee.

According to sources, Rev. Barber made extensive efforts to discredit Rev. Gatewood, utilizing various resources, including Martha Waggoner, the communications director for Repairers of the Breach and a reporter for the Associated Press. Waggoner allegedly wrote and disseminated false narratives, lies, graphic sexual gossip, and one-sided character attacks against Rev. Gatewood on behalf of Rev. Barber.

It is alleged that Rev. Barber disregarded the moral principles he claims to uphold by concealing an investigative report from October 2, 2017, and then releasing it just before the 2019 NC NAACP Election in an attempt to undermine Rev. Gatewood’s election campaign. Sources say Rev. Barber did everything in his power to attack Rev. Gatewood, his livelihood, and his family with no facts and did not hesitate to try to destroy Rev. Gatewood’s talents, which Rev. Barber himself had benefited from for more than 10 years.

Rev. Barber never spoke to Rev. Gatewood about the allegations before going on national TV with Childs’ false allegations, presenting them as “true” when they were indeed false and never occurred, according to sources. It is also noted that throughout Rev. Gatewood’s more than 40 years in the workforce, no woman has ever accused him of any form of sexual misconduct, with the allegations being attributed to ulterior motives.

On July 5, 2017, Rev. Gatewood issued an official statement denying all allegations made against him.

Each and every accusation and allegation contained on the Article X presented to the NAACP by Jazmyne Childs’ unverified complaint is denied. I did not commit the acts detailed in the accusations and allegations of the Article X, Rev. Gatewood said in a statement.

The President and CEO of the National NAACP, Derrick Johnson, suspended Rev. Gatewood’s NAACP membership without affording him due process and without presenting evidence to support the allegations. In a letter dated September 26, 2019, Johnson informed Rev. Gatewood that his lifetime membership with the NAACP would be suspended and that he was being removed from the NC NAACP 2019 Election Ballot.

Rev. Gatewood had not violated any written NAACP policy and had not been given due process, yet he was suspended due to allegations from NAACP members who themselves violated Policy Article X, Section 4a, which mandates the automatic revocation of their memberships for taking “external action.”

The National NAACP permitted Holmes-Johnson, the NAACP Treasurer, to breach numerous financial policies and assist Childs in suing the organization, according to sources. Additionally, sources indicate that the National NAACP allowed the then-president, Dr. Spearman, who did not win the 2019 NC NAACP Election and had several pending Article X complaints against him, as well as a failure to provide financial records, to serve out his full second term while keeping Rev. Gatewood, his opponent, suspended for two years.

It is regrettable that these individuals who targeted Rev. Gatewood were able to evade accountability for failing to produce financial records for the NC NAACP despite repeated requests.

On February 18, 2021, the National NAACP administrators made a second request for the NC NAACP financial records for 2013-2019, which were not provided.

On March 5, 2021, the NC NAACP, led by Dr. Spearman, was asked for financial records for the years 2013-2019 by the National NAACP General Counsel for the third time but failed to provide them.

On September 02, 2021, the NC NAACP received a fourth request for the same records and again did not comply.

It was anticipated by Holmes-Johnson, Dr. Spearman, and Rev. Barber that they would face difficulties if Rev. Gatewood became the NC NAACP President.

In Childs’ Article X complaint to the National NAACP, listed as #9, she states…“Since I came forward at least two other young women have said they were sexually harassed by Curtis Gatewood. They never reported it to the NC NAACP.” But what’s mind blowing and not really shocking, in the complaint listed as #10, Childs says, “ I have discovered …Gatewood is still trying to be a leader of the NC NAACP and is running in this fall’s election for President of the NC NAACP. This will place many women in North Carolina and the nation in danger, as it will enable him to continue to commit sexual harassment.”

Rev. Barber and Dr. Spearman were among those who endorsed Childs’ request to the National NAACP to suspend Rev. Gatewood’s membership. In December 2017, Rev. Barber and Dr. Spearman sent Rev. Gatewood a cease-and-desist letter based on Childs’ accusations, which was deemed illegitimate as it excluded the NC NAACP Executive Committee.

Attorney Crystal Richardson wrote a letter on July 17, 2018, requesting that the National NAACP revoke the cease-and-desist letter sent by Rev. Barber and Dr. Spearman, deeming it unconstitutional and unverified.

Rev. Barber and Dr. Spearman’s actions were in violation of NAACP policies and common personnel confidentiality practices. They engaged in unfair practices, defamation, avoidance of internal processes, violation of due process, and attempted to convict Rev. Gatewood in the court of public opinion rather than allowing the matter to be resolved in a legal setting.

Rev. Gatewood requested a hearing on his suspension on October 15, 2019, but did not receive one for nearly two years, contrary to NAACP policy. It is suggested that the delay may have been due to fear of Rev. Barber and potential legal actions, rather than adhering to the organization’s constitution.

On August 11, 2021, an internal hearing was held by the NAACP, but as of July 2022, no decision had been reached, according to sources.

During the time of Rev. Gatewood’s suspension, the matter of his membership was put on hold. Even as the 2021 NC NAACP Election was being planned, Rev. Gatewood remained suspended without any violation of policy. How can you suspend someone who hasn’t broken the rules? His suspension barred him from running in the 2021 NC NAACP Election due to allegations that were simply not true.

Rev. Gatewood remained suspended from the NAACP and the election ballot without violating any policy in the NAACP constitution or bylaws. As the 2021 NC NAACP election was being planned, he was still suspended and not allowed to run, through no fault of his own.

The unproven allegations in this matter have dragged on for four years, punishing Rev. Gatewood and preventing him from professional opportunities.

Sources say Childs, Rev. Barber, and Dr. Spearman used lies and discriminatory practices to block Rev. Gatewood’s right to freedom and his specific right to seek the position of NC NAACP president for three consecutive years: 2017, 2019, and 2021. He has been denied due process and has not violated any NAACP policy.

Jazyme Childs has not produced any evidence to support her allegations against Rev. Gatewood. In Childs’ civil summons lawsuit, filed on February 3, 2020, she claimed that on February 6, 2017, she was “afraid” of Rev. Gatewood. Sources say Childs was inside an office with a glass window, where other staff and visitors could see inside at all times.

Childs admitted that on this day, Rev. Gatewood only spoke to her about “an upcoming rally.” Her claims of being “afraid” are unbelievable, unfounded, and she has presented no evidence to support them. On this same day, Childs also claimed that Rev. Gatewood was “looking” her “up and down” while they were in the office.

In the 1953 Ingram v. Boswell case, the concept of “reckless eyeballing” was ruled to be insufficient grounds for sexual allegations regarding what an individual is supposedly thinking or “looking at” in a public place or common area, as it “goes beyond the reach of human law.”

Childs has presented no evidence in her pending lawsuit against Rev. Gatewood to support these claims. On May 10, 2022, Childs filed a complaint alleging that Rev. Gatewood had created a hostile and intimidating work environment. However, sources have indicated that this claim was unfounded.

Childs was reported to have slammed a door in Rev. Gatewood’s face and later admitted to this action. Additionally, Childs alleged that Rev. Gatewood had created a hostile work environment on May 15 and May 23, 2017. On May 15, 2017, a press conference took place with multiple media representatives present, and no reports of a hostile environment were made.

Childs claimed that Rev. Gatewood looked at her with a smirk on his face, creating a hostile environment, but sources present at the press conference denied this allegation. Childs also claimed that on May 23, 2017, Rev. Gatewood was 50 feet away at an outside rally and looked at her. However, it is questionable how this could be considered sexual harassment, and the validity of such claims is in doubt.

Let’s be real—how is this sexual harassment? First of all, you wouldn’t know someone was looking at you if you weren’t looking at them. But I digress. Furthermore, how could Dawson, who claims to be an investigator, substantiate claims that someone looking at someone else was “creating a hostile and intimidating work environment”?

According to reports, Rev. Gatewood was wearing eyeglasses with transitional lenses that darken in sunlight, which raises questions about how Childs could claim that Rev. Gatewood was making “eye contact” with her.

Childs’ allegations of “looking” by Rev. Gatewood were merely unfounded claims, which have been strongly refuted. This sheds light on why Dawson was reluctant to disclose her completed investigation report due to the unsubstantiated claims made by Childs.

Individuals have the right to look at others without it constituting sexual harassment.

What is sexual harassment? 

Harassment can include “sexual harassment” or unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical harassment of a sexual nature.

None of the actions described meet the definition of “sexual harassment,” and Childs has not presented any evidence to support her claims in her lawsuit or during the discovery process. Childs alleged that on February 8, 2017, Rev. Gatewood called her using a “seductive voice,” but this has been proven false. In reality, Childs was absent from work due to illness, and Rev. Gatewood called her to inquire about her well-being.

Childs herself acknowledges this in court records. Rev. Gatewood’s call was related to her temporary employment for the HKonJ rally, an event for which he had served as the HKonJ Coalition Coordinator for several years. At no point did Childs claim that Rev. Gatewood made any sexual or intimidating remarks to her. Furthermore, Rev. Gatewood was calling her from the NC NAACP Headquarters, according to sources.

Childs’ interpretation of Rev. Gatewood’s call as having a “low seductive voice” was an exaggeration given the circumstances. Additionally, Childs alleged that on April 26, 2017, Rev. Gatewood pulled up a chair and sat next to her, causing her to feel terrified and leave the restaurant. However, sources present at the time refute this claim, stating that it never occurred.

Barnes, who was supervising the staff that day, was near Childs during the lunch break and confirmed that she did not witness any inappropriate behavior between Childs and Rev. Gatewood. Childs’ claims of feeling “terrified” that day have been deemed baseless and untrue. Furthermore, Childs and her co-worker, Swanson, claimed that Rev. Gatewood “looked” at Childs as she bent over on the same day.

However, Barnes and other staff members were present in the room at the time. Sources also note that Rev. Gatewood had been wearing his eyeglasses with dark transitional lenses for years before knowing Childs. On May 2, 2017, Childs claimed that Rev. Gatewood brushed against her while she was arranging food containers for a farewell party.

However, sources indicate that this incident did not occur. Childs later made a public statement alleging that Rev. Gatewood had pressed his penis against her buttocks. This accusation was not included in her initial written complaint and was only brought up during a press conference. It is suggested that this addition to her claim may have been influenced by Rev. Barber.

The alleged incident took place in a conference room with an open door and a large glass window, making it unlikely that the room was dark, as Childs claimed. It is also noted that setting up a party in a professional environment like the NC NAACP office would not have taken place in a dark room.

Furthermore, it is questioned why Childs did not report the incident immediately or make any noise if such an event had occurred. Sources suggest that the entire incident was fabricated by Childs, and it is also revealed that the farewell party was not a surprise event, as Childs had alleged.

The only witness to Childs’ allegations was her co-worker and friend, Tyler Swanson, who had his own grievances against Rev. Gatewood. It is revealed that Rev. Gatewood had previously recommended against Swanson serving as a trainer for youth field operatives, indicating a pre-existing conflict between the parties involved.

He had professionally recommended, based on his observations, that Swanson not serve as a trainer for future youth field operatives and was willing to elaborate further on the recommendation if needed. Rev. Gatewood had been working to terminate Childs and Swanson prior to the allegations being made.

It is also noted that Childs did not report the alleged incident to the authorities or her office supervisor on the day it supposedly occurred, despite both being present at the office and the farewell event. The lawsuit was dismissed on November 13, 2023.

Rev. Barber and Dr. Spearman provided Childs with the necessary support to level accusations against Rev. Gatewood, regardless of the infringement upon his rights. This action was taken despite the potential damage to their own reputations, the NAACP, and the purported mission of justice and moral principles within their so-called “Moral Movement,” as indicated by sources. Their actions extended beyond the bounds of truth, law, reason, mercy, morality, and constitutionality, resulting in the creation of a smear campaign.

What was done to Rev. Curtis Gatewood in this matter, will go down as the largest civil rights betrayal toward a civil rights worker, Rev. Curtis Gatewood, from civil rights colleagues within a civil rights organization in civil rights history.

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