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04-16-2024 4:54 pm • PDX and SEA Weather
MLK Breakfast
The Rev. Elbert D. Mondainé submitted his resignation as president of the Portland chapter of the NAACP on Tuesday, and is no longer serving as second vice president for the NAACP region of Alaska, Washington and Oregon.
The resignation came six days after accusations against Mondainé were detailed in an Oct. 14 article in the Portland Mercury, which quoted two men and one woman who allege they were physically, sexually and psychologically abused by Mondainé during his tenure at Celebration Tabernacle Church in the Kenton neighborhood. All three say they were members of Celebration Tabernacle at the time of the alleged abuse. Church representatives did not respond to The Skanner’s request for comment, and Mondainé is still listed as senior pastor on the church’s website.
Mondainé, who was elected Portland NAACP president in 2018, has denied all allegations. During an online press conference the previous week, Mondainé said the accusations were the result of "a relationship that ended poorly" nearly 20 years ago.
"What you're witnessing is the manifestation of the current trend of cancel culture, which seeks to destroy anyone that don't fall in line with their message,” Mondainé stated.
In an Oct. 20 statement, the NAACP confirmed it had received Mondainé’s resignation and said an investigation into the matter was ongoing.
“The NAACP is firmly opposed to all forms of abuse, assault, harassment, or discrimination,” the NAACP stated. “Such behavior has no place in the Association, regardless of whether these instances occurred in previous or current administrations.”
It is not clear whether Mondainé’s resignation is effective immediately, or if he plans to stay on through November to finish his term. The Mercury reported that the Portland NAACP board voted 7-3 for Mondainé's immediate resignation during an emergency meeting Oct. 17, but that Mondainé refused to step down at the time.
The Portland NAACP did not respond to The Skanner’s requests for clarification.
