After a candidate for president of the Berkshire County chapter of the NAACP levelled accusations of sexism at the incumbent, some women in the branch are pushing back.
After challenger Ari Zorn said three-term chapter president Dennis Powell didn’t create opportunities for women in the branch, a group of female members publically criticized him for speaking for them. Toni Buckley, who sits on the chapter’s executive committee, spoke out in support of Powell.
“He empowers of not just women but of young people, of [the] next generation," Buckley told WAMC. "He is a collaborator, he is a team player, and he is somebody who always for ideas, for creativity.”
Powell has led the chapter through a year of explosive growth following anti-police brutality protests this spring, and has been endorsed by politicians like District Attorney Andrea Harrington and State Representative Tricia Farley-Bouvier.
Chapter members can vote online in today’s election until 4:30 p.m.
