Salem nonprofit dismisses executive director after request for Black students to portray enslaved individuals in an event.
In a significant move, the nonprofit organization Stand Up for Salem has dismissed its executive director, Betsy McBride, following her proposal that Black students participate in a reenactment portraying enslaved individuals during the city’s 350th anniversary celebration. The decision was made during a board meeting on Saturday, after the 14-member board conducted a thorough fact-finding process.
Board President Tom Smith stated that the board concluded there was sufficient information to justify McBride’s immediate termination. He emphasized that the proposal was deemed inappropriate and unacceptable in all respects. McBride was officially informed of her termination on Saturday, having been suspended the previous Thursday while the investigation was underway.
The decision has been met with approval from local civil rights leaders, including Nelson Carney Jr., president of the Salem County branch of the NAACP, who had previously advocated for McBride’s removal. Carney commended the board’s action, indicating it sends a clear message that such discriminatory practices will not be tolerated. He indicated that justice has been served, adding that Smith will meet with the NAACP to formally apologize for the incident.
Amid the controversy, McBride acknowledged in email communications that she had requested the participation of Black students to reenact slavery for the October 4 celebration. The principal of Salem Middle School, Pascale E. DeVilmé, did not respond during the meeting and later received an apology from McBride. In her email, McBride admitted to not considering the implications of her request, expressing regret for the offense caused and acknowledging her white privilege.
Stand Up for Salem, primarily focused on community development and resident-driven initiatives, had McBride at the helm for approximately three years. She had intentions to retire in December. As of now, no successor has been appointed.
McBride’s political engagement spans her tenure as mayor of Pennsauken and various roles in Camden County, alongside positions at significant organizations such as Heart of Camden and UrbanPromise Inc. Efforts to contact McBride for comment on her dismissal were unsuccessful.
The discussion surrounding the reenactment request has ignited significant backlash within the nearly 5,300-strong community of Salem, where approximately 58% of residents identify as Black. In response to the mounting concerns, Smith noted that an actor has been contracted to portray a local historical figure, Amy Hester “Hetty” Reckless, a Black woman who was enslaved and later escaped to help others find freedom through the Underground Railroad.
The incident has prompted Smith to express his contrition in a letter addressed to the superintendent of Salem Schools, labeling McBride’s suggestion as “inappropriate and insensitive.” He plans to attend an upcoming NAACP meeting to further address the situation, alongside efforts to implement preventive measures to avert similar occurrences in the future.
As Salem navigates this sensitive chapter in its history, the aftermath of the decision reflects a community grappling with its past while striving towards an inclusive future.
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