Imus in the Morning Must Go This Afternoon

Apr 07, 08:01 PM

Current Headlines: To: RADIO-TELEVISION EDITORS

Contact: Rev. Wendell Anthony, President, +1-313-347-2820, or Heaster Wheeler, Executive Director, +1-313-871-2087, both of The Detroit Branch NAACP

DETROIT, April 7 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Detroit Branch NAACP is appalled by comments made by both Don Imus of the Imus in the Morning Show and his producer Bernard McGuirk. Don Imus and Bernard McGuirk have crossed the line of decency. Don Imus' reference to our young people as "nappy headed hos" should be unacceptable to all Americans of good will. Adding insult to injury his producer, Bernard McGuirk, also referred to the players as "jigaboos and wannabees." The right of free speech does not mean one must be subject to a free for all which leads to personal vilification, intimidation, humiliation and racial separation. When one is guilty of such pernicious behavior, such as Mr. Imus and Mr. McGuirk, there has to be a definite consequence.

There seems to be a pattern for Don Imus who is also known for referring to award-winning journalist Gwen Ifill as a "cleaning lady" and New York Times columnist William Rhoden as "a quota hire." We call upon Don Imus & Bernard McGuirk to do the right thing this afternoon and resign. If Imus and McGuirk are unable and unwilling, then we call for their immediate dismissal. They must be separated from this forum, where each morning, thanks to NBC and MSNBC, they have an opportunity to shape public opinion.

The young women of the Rutgers basketball team have worked hard and committed their lives to both academic and athletic excellence. All of America's young people should be encouraged. They should not have to be subjected to this level of racist demoralization and social degradation. We join with the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) and people of good will all across America and call for the resignation, firing and dismissal of Don Imus and Bernard McGuirk.

Although MSNBC does not produce this program, we believe both NBC and its cable channel MSNBC should not only condemn the remarks but also join with us in calling for the removal of Don Imus and Bruce McGuirk. They should not be given the privilege to use the airways for such negative and hurtful rhetoric.

The Detroit Branch NAACP is the organization's largest branch. It holds monthly general membership meetings, which are free and open to the public. For more information please call 313-871-2087 or visit www.detroitnaacp.org

SOURCE The Detroit Branch NAACP

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