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Ellen Belcher is the Dayton Daily News opinion pages editor. She writes about state government, education, the environment, higher education and all things Dayton.
Martin Gottlieb is an editorial writer and columnist for the Dayton Daily News opinion pages. He focuses on the political process itself and does such national issues as war, the economy, taxes and Social Security, as well as a hodge-podge of local and state issues.Home > Blogs > A Matter of Opinion > Archives > 2010 > February > 07 > Entry
Editorial: Dayton’s SCLC can’t be blase about allegations
The Dayton chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference has to take seriously complaints against its board chairman, the Rev. Raleigh Trammell. So far, local board members have shown no interest in them.
Rev. Trammell, a fixture in the local civil rights community for decades, is being investigated by the national SCLC on suspicion that he misappropriated funds while serving as national chairman. He and the SCLC’s treasurer, Spiver Gordon, were suspended from their posts last month, then reinstated by a judge on Jan. 20.
The judge’s ruling was not on the merit of the allegations against Rev. Trammell. Rather, the decision was purely procedural.
The SCLC investigation is ongoing and over the past 10 days officials from the group shared information they’ve gathered with prosecutors in Georgia and Alabama, Mr. Gordon’s home state. They promised to do the same with law enforcement officials here.
Rev. Trammell’s alleged abuses extend to his role in Dayton. A longtime employee of the group here has accused him of sexually harassing her and her teenage daughter. She also claims he misused taxpayer dollars.
The Dayton SCLC and the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance, which Trammell also heads, last year received at least $200,000 combined in taxpayer funding from the Montgomery County’s Human Services Levy, its job and family services department and the federal government for local programs they operate.
Rev. Trammell’s attorney says he has done nothing wrong, that the allegations originate with an employee who is suspected of financial wrongdoing.
But, in Atlanta, a controversial SCLC investigation has found that at least $569,000 is missing. Some SCLC officials say they can’t access bank accounts controlled by the treasurer, who is an ally of Rev. Trammell, and that $24,450 in SCLC checks were endorsed over to Rev. Trammell.
So far, Rev. Trammell has not responded to his critics at the national SCLC.
Though the national SCLC has been bitterly divided and caught up in its own turmoil, the Dayton SCLC can’t just ignore the investigation. The locals have been reflexively dismissive of the allegations, even though they have fiduciary responsibility for their organization.
“We have more important things to do than deal with these baseless accusations,” Dayton SCLC board member Margaret Peters said last month. “I am not concerned.”
Another board member, Don Black, has been hired by Rev. Trammell to help with his public relations. How can he serve the organization’s interests while he is getting paid to serve Rev. Trammell?
Notwithstanding his work in civil rights, Rev. Trammell has a record that’s not irrelevant. In 1978, he was convicted of felony charges relating to welfare fraud, and he spent more than a year in prison.
Board members have to protect the organizations they serve, not the people who run them. The SCLC has a storied history. Martin Luther King Jr., its first chairman, helped found the group to fight racial segregation.
People who support the organization and its goals deserve answers and explanations. The SCLC’s Dayton leaders haven’t begun to ask questions, let alone insist on answers.
Permalink | Comments (37) | Post your comment | Categories: Civil Rights, Editorials, Scott Elliott
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By bruce
February 7, 2010 9:29 AM | Link to this
The so-called civil rights community is well-versed at getting public money for their so-called community programs, then using that money for personal gains. Jesse Jackson is a master at that. Giving money to an organization that is run by a convicted, embezelling felon like Raleigh Trammel is a travesty. If that’s the best the black community can do, then god help us.
By davidss2
February 7, 2010 9:37 AM | Link to this
Bruce said part of my piece: read Shakedown about jesse’s techniques to make himself rich using Ohio corporations to run the money through that he gets “to help the downtrodden.” Now Jesse Jr. is in congress and well on his way to Shakedown. Trammel seemed interested in showing his face on TV as much as possible even for the baseless allegations of a friend’s friend who thought he could be a criminal and got caught by police and then wanted to cry racism in his treatment. Wish I could claim raceism for all the biased things done to favor blacks over whites now. Maybe we need quotas for pro and college basketball and football teams: What percentage of the region served by them is each race and make the teams match instead of huge scholarships wasting tax money to fund stars out of high school. Even look at the hiring methods for police force—give extra points for color. I want the highest qualified person on the police force, not the quota system. Trammel has had his face in the middle of this. As for the Human Services levy, it was too big and packaged in one part instead of two for the vote to get extra money to slush fund around, and now we know where $200,000 of it got slushed. And it probably has melted right away before our eyes like ice, never to be seen again. And Raleigh will be there in his Africa colors (did he ever live in Africa?) to make it a racist thing if people ask him what he did with our tax money. Heaven knows what the SCLC wants to do.
By fortressdayton
February 7, 2010 11:35 AM | Link to this
Without handouts and grants funded by taxpayer dollars, most of these orgs would stop functioning. Whether SCLC in Dayton or Street Souljahz, these orgs are just like the individuals who make living off handouts a lifestyle. Now there is no on in City Hall to hush the controversy or back them up. Our city’s do-good organizations are full of unsavory characters that hold no productive jobs and cater only to the friends, supporters and themselves. There is apparently little accountability for money spent. City of Dayton should reconsider how it gives away the scarce money it has.
By It's Great in Dayton!
February 7, 2010 12:27 PM | Link to this
How does a guy with “Welfare Fraud” on his resume get to be in charge of anything? Ridiculous.
By bobby
February 7, 2010 12:49 PM | Link to this
I don’t recall any reference to Reverend Trammel or his crew during the Human Services Levy campaign. Note to the Montgomery County Commissioners: NO MORE!
By Lisa
February 7, 2010 3:56 PM | Link to this
The SCLC should audit it’s books too. The guy has a reputation you know and it ain’t so good. Time for a local audit.
By THOMAS J
February 7, 2010 4:00 PM | Link to this
Once a crook always a crook hey trammell
By THOMAS J
February 7, 2010 4:01 PM | Link to this
Once a crook always a crook hey trammell
By smoke & mirrors
February 10, 2010 11:26 AM | Link to this
It’s all a big shakedown with the sclc and all groups like them.If blacks want to be treated equal then why are sclc and others assist only blacks?
By milton mathis
February 11, 2010 2:53 PM | Link to this
be careful who you allow to lead the charge of wrong doings. You need to check out Rocker he is a bigger thief than any of these other guys. He stole from the Republican party, and sclc in florida, school tutioring in fla. and the school system in fl. When are you going to investigate him?
By milton mathis
February 11, 2010 2:55 PM | Link to this
be careful who you allow to lead the charge of wrong doings. You need to check out Rocker he is a bigger thief than any of these other guys. He stole from the Republican party, and sclc in florida, school tutioring in fla. and the school system in fl. When are you going to investigate him?
By It's Great in Dayton!
February 11, 2010 11:11 PM | Link to this
His time has come: RALEIGH TRAMMELL FOR MAYOR!!! RALEIGH TRAMMELL FOR MAYOR!!! RALEIGH TRAMMELL FOR MAYOR!!!
By Old Scratch
February 12, 2010 1:57 AM | Link to this
He should be hosting a finacial prayer power show on msnbc, blessing our bucks. He has the best hats in Dayton, and we need to share this jewel of the Gem City with the world before the feds cut into his party time.
By Old Scratch
February 12, 2010 1:58 AM | Link to this
He should be hosting a finacial prayer power show on msnbc, blessing our bucks. He has the best hats in Dayton, and we need to share this jewel of the Gem City with the world before the feds cut into his party time.
By James Greene
February 12, 2010 9:01 AM | Link to this
It is important in a situation like this that we get a clear understanding of all of the facts. Unless we have the truth we can end up a victim of our own biases. A look at the recent blogs confirms this.
By Linda
February 12, 2010 12:43 PM | Link to this
One thing Rawleigh certainly did not use the suspected funds for were teeth and a new outfit….. Check his Hollywood Casino monthly rewards and comps…..
By Linda
February 12, 2010 12:45 PM | Link to this
One thing Rawleigh certainly did not use the suspected funds for were teeth and a new outfit….. Check his Hollywood Casino monthly rewards and comps…..
By DPDinsider
February 12, 2010 1:38 PM | Link to this
It’s about time Trammell is being looked at. Many of us in DPD have questioned the amount of money given to him (and others) over the yrs. An audit has never been required. Also, the Street Soulzas have received over 100k over the past few yrs. An audit is not required from this group either (maybe due to Commission Williams and Marlon Shackalford being good friends). Hopefully accountability will now take place and criminal indictments will come from this!
By IrateTaxpayer
February 12, 2010 4:09 PM | Link to this
I could not believe my eyes as I read this morning’s paper. How much of the human service levy is being doled out without any accountability. What happened to the promises of community oversight? I suspect we have all gotten too PC and back down too quickly to waste and fraud. Shame on those we entrusted and shame on us for believing the government is best at anything!
By Pissed off Taxpayer
February 12, 2010 5:46 PM | Link to this
The truth will eventually come out about all of this.The food pantry has been closed for more than 2 years.they have never had a DV shelter.He gave everything to his kids and grandkids.They all drive new cars and etc.He owns all kinds of rental property.The people that did have to work for their benefits for him never worked in his restraunt they mostly worked at his property’s.He will reep what he sowed so will his daughter who was right in this mess.They feds need to start talking to the people that worked for theire for benefits.I hope he gets what he deserves
By David Esrati
February 12, 2010 9:18 PM | Link to this
While Raleigh Trammell is an ex-con, and shouldn’t have been in charge of anything involving money for low income folks- shouldn’t the people who entrusted the money to him also be investigated? And, while it’s easy to point a finger at Trammell- at most he’s stolen rounding error in comparison to the $3 million salary Pam Morris at CareSource took home last year as “compensation” to administer medicare. Wake up voters- Read more and watch the Dayton Grassroots Daily Show here: http://esrati.com/whos-the-criminal-sclc-montgomery-county-caresource/4325/ Maybe you’ll agree- Trammell is only a small time crook- the real ones are being overlooked.
By fortressdayton
February 13, 2010 1:38 PM | Link to this
Today it’s the United Way turning on ole Raleigh. The dayton urban League was told by the county to stop using SCLC as a sub-contractor….Hmmmm….wonder why? And, as I predicted, the urban league will be caught up in this. Alas, its director resigned a few days ago “to pursue other interests…” That’s doublespeak for “I’m outta here!” Who’s next? Take a number!
By fortressdayton
February 13, 2010 1:47 PM | Link to this
@ DPDInsider… I was waiting for someone from DPD to say something. A recently departed DPD Lt. once came to my home to discuss neighborhood crime, etc. At the time I didn’t know who Raleigh was. The Lt. said he was unable to proceed against certain people because they had too much clout downtown and out of state. Now I understand.
By It's Great in Dayton!
February 14, 2010 12:07 AM | Link to this
He’s the Gem City’s crowning jewel!! The leadership Dayton deserves. RALEIGH TRAMMELL FOR MAYOR!!! RALEIGH TRAMMELL FOR MAYOR!!! RALEIGH TRAMMELL FOR MAYOR!!! Paid for by The Committee to Elect Raleigh Trammell. Raleigh Trammell, Treasurer.
By blackwarriorriver
February 14, 2010 1:53 PM | Link to this
Dear Editorialists: You have hammered the nail right, smack, dap on the head. Now, if only the same could be done to Trammell and Gordon; it is past time that service organizations such as these stop developing personality cult followings like those of Josef Stalin. What ever happened to the idea and philosophies that went into finding these groups? Mr. Trammell and Mr. Gordon should have heeded Dr. King’s 11Th Commandment: “Thou shalt not get caught!”
By Leon Harrison
February 14, 2010 7:32 PM | Link to this
Leon Harrison West Carrollton, Ohio Sunday, February 14, 2010 To: The Editor Subject: SCLC/Reverend Trammell stories are not surprising “Congratulations to the Dayton Daily News!” Congratulations and thanks to the Dayton Daily News, because this [Valentine’s Day] Raleigh Trammell/SCLC-corruption story does not make me snooze, and I shall give credit where credit is due! DDN reporters did some old-fashioned professional investigative reporting about them and the great Dayton Welfare State! They did this despite and regardless of any of many expected [predictable perpetual political professional accusations of racial prejudice, profiling and hate. Unfortunately, this story is not sensational, shocking or surprising! We can be glad that the Bushmen and friends are no longer in charge of the federal government [including the FBI]. Let us magnify and multiply this local SCLC story by at least one thousand times, during the past forty-five years, and then try and estimate the mathematical thin-air statistics, facts and figures; concerning the costs and losses, due to typical government and usual agency inefficiency, theft, fraud and waste. This all currently occurs in the aftermath of the Great Society that depends and breeds and feeds upon the myth of an alleged and supposed guilty white racist society. Most media people are and have been regularly fed the same old predictable PC scoops from these dependable dependent black-PAC-attack professional-victim and poverty-pimp groups; most of whom like if not love government large as long as they, their pet politicians, and their enthusiastic empathetic sympathetic enablers are in charge. Who gets fired or jailed after they lie, steal or fail? Leon Harrison West Carrollton, Ohio
By It's Great in Dayton!!!
February 14, 2010 9:03 PM | Link to this
The Friends And Relatives of Trammell (that’s F.A.R.T.) have started a legal defense fund to support Rev. Raleigh Trammell in his quest for justice. We hope you will contribute by leaving a donation (cash only, please) in a plain brown paper bag on Raleigh’s doorstep.
By Regina Daniels
February 15, 2010 10:33 AM | Link to this
Media reps should look into Spiver Gordon’s jailtime for voter fraud and child molestation and also Trammell’s past pay outs to a woman/women for sexual harrassment charges. The whole organization including board members have allowed individuals w/ no valid credentials or business acumen run the organization in the ground - most of the board doesn’t have the spirit of community or goodwill much less common sense!
By Regina Daniels
February 15, 2010 10:34 AM | Link to this
Media reps should look into Spiver Gordon’s jailtime for voter fraud and statutory rape and also Trammell’s past pay outs to a woman/women for sexual harrassment charges. The whole organization including board members have allowed individuals w/ no valid credentials or business acumen run the organization in the ground - most of the board doesn’t have the spirit of community or goodwill much less common sense!
By discount amazon
February 15, 2010 1:44 PM | Link to this
nice article. I would love to follow you on twitter.
By It's Great in Dayton!!!
February 16, 2010 2:00 PM | Link to this
Just when Dayton’s plight seems hopeless…he appears. Wearing a weird hat, his pockets bulging with fraudulently-obtained cash…he’s Raleigh Trammell, the only man that can save Dayton (cue music). “What’s all this $hit about slogans and logos? Re-branding? I made all kinds of money, and never did any of that cr@p!” Just then, a federal auditor steps out of the shadows. “I’ve been looking for you, SKANK-BUTT” he says with a sneer. Trammell turns to face his accuser, and quickly sizes up the situation. “Uh….well…ummm…see ya later!” His strange little hat falls off as he sprints out the door. The auditor slowly walks over and picks it up off the floor. “This hat is probably all the restitution we’ll get from this guy. I’ll keep it on my desk as a reminder of ‘the skank that got away’.
By kinnynobo
February 17, 2010 11:47 AM | Link to this
The SCLC board must go…they are as complicit as RT as they hide behind hats. Where are county prosecutors and/or officials at on this matter - surely someone in power has a soul. Giving money to such organizations has become similar to funding other countries, the welfare only goes to the hats…i.e. 1 trillion to African countries over the last 40 years and the only ones benefiting are the leaders. Haiti is the same way.
By Deja Vu all over again
February 17, 2010 3:13 PM | Link to this
Trammell was proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt of fraud and misuse of public funds back in 1978…a “minister” stealing from the poor…total hypocrisy. Berating the local SCLC Board is pointless…they are tools of Trammell and on the take. Their philosophy is that society owes the poor…themselves included (or even especially). No, the real culprits here are the politicians who found it expedient to pay him off by doing business with him and looking the other way as funds intended for community services were stolen. Judge Walter Rice took a political risk in detecting “the pungent aroma of mendacity” back in the 1970’s as he put Trammell and his confederates behind bars. I’m afraid the current crop of public servants you have there in Montgomery County are some very small and timid people to have allowed this transparent raid on public funds to go on for so many years.
By null
February 19, 2010 9:53 AM | Link to this
Trammell is not 100% to blame he just played the system and the way it works.Blame our city and county leadership for not holding him accountable for our tax dollars and not having the balls to say no just for a few votes.
By Kevan
March 2, 2010 6:54 AM | Link to this
It’s the same all over. Black Entertainment Television, Black History Month, etc. What would happen it we had “White History Month” or “White Entertainment Television”? There would be screams of racism heard from coast to coast. It seems strange to me that groups who have been on the receiving end of discrimination are now the most racist. Certainly not what Dr. Martin Luther King had in mind. His followers were of all races, and I would imagine that he would be totally against black-only organizations. His dream did not include ‘getting even’ with reverse racism. He would be rolling over in his grave if he could see what blacks have do to his “Dream” today. I have no problem with equality but they are no better and no worse than I and do not deserve special treatment because of a difference in skin pigmentation. As a person, I owe them nothing above and beyond what anyone else deserves. I never owned one, nor did my parents, my grandparents or even my great grandparents. Watching them walk around today with their pants rolled up to signify their “chains”…what a joke! They don’t have a clue about what their ancestors went through.
By Amandamss
June 14, 2010 1:21 PM | Link to this
Your site is like a blonde with a brain. I like it. Jokes apart, very informjative aricle and equally impressive design.
By andrea.mack
February 18, 2011 8:05 PM | Link to this
Oh my!@Kevan haven’t u noticed everyday, month,year is “white”? But thats neither here nor there, we bear the burden of ancestors/forefathersand u…u shall bear the burden of yours. What I need to know is whether or not Raleigh Trammell will be held responsible for cleaninig up that”GOD” awful area of property that he and the other criminals occupied! If he’s not in jail already he should be down there “ASAP!”…its rundown, its raggedy, its overgrown, and its UGLY!Its located within a mile of a new $8.5mil school-forchrist sake! This is not a dept that we are willing to assume via taxes. “CLEAN THAT CRAP UP!”