Derrick L. Foward

Derrick Lee Foward (born April 26, 1968) is an American social activist and leader in the US civil rights movement. He is the 34th President of the Dayton Unit of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). He is the youngest person to lead the local organization. Foward was first elected president on November 12, 2006, defeating Gladys Gunn, longtime educator in the Dayton Public Schools District, receiving 53.09% of the votes. His first 2-year term commenced on January 1, 2007, and expired on December 31, 2008. Foward ran unopposed in 2008. He ran for re-election in 2010 and defeated Chris Cortner, retired General Motors Worker, receiving 75.57% of the votes. Foward ran unopposed in the Dayton Unit NAACP elections in the years of 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020 and 2022. He is currently in his eighth 2-year term which expires on December 31, 2024. Foward also served in the following leadership roles within the Ohio Conference NAACP: 1st Vice President (2019 – Present); 2nd Vice President (2017 – 2019); 3rd Vice President (2009 – 2017); and Executive Committee Member (2003 – 2009). Foward also serves on the NAACP National Life Membership Committee and has served as the Chair of the NAACP National Credentials Committee for many years.

Early life and education
Foward was born in Kettering, Ohio, and he, along with his brother and four sisters, was raised in the black middle-class community of Jefferson Township, Montgomery County, Ohio. His father served in the U.S. Navy and was honorably discharged after his tour of duty. He became a police officer in the community where his family lived and retired from the Defense Supply Center, Columbus (DESC) after nearly 40 years of federal service. His mother retired from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (WPAFB) with over 34 years of federal service. Foward graduated from Christ Temple Christian School as class valedictorian. He was the leader on the Christ Temple Warriors basketball team averaging 34.7 points a game in his junior year. Foward had a severe speech impediment as a child, throughout young adulthood. Many people laughed and talked about how bad he stuttered which caused aggression and anger issues. The faith Foward embodied as a member of Christ Temple Apostolic Faith Church and the leadership roles he served in while at Speedway (store) and the NAACP, assisted him with overcoming this traumatic disability. He graduated from Central State University on June 17, 1990, and was inducted into the Central State University Alumni Achievement Hall of Fame on March 1, 2016. Foward then received his Master's of Administration and Organization from International Apostolic University of Grace and Truth on July 13, 2002. where he was awarded his Doctor of Humane Letters on September 30, 2018.

Personal life
Foward was married to Jean Ann Foward, a receptionist at Pain Evaluation and Management Center of Ohio, for over 20 years until her death from cancer on April 11, 2019. They were together for over 30 years and have two sons, two daughters, three grandchildren and three godchildren. Foward married a teacher, Tiwona L. Branham, on June 17, 2023, four months after he proposed to her in Los Angeles, California, after he gave his acceptance speech for receiving the NAACP Image Award for Activist of the Year during the 54th NAACP Image Awards. Foward credits her with the renewal of his interest to move forward with the second chapter of his life. She brings to this union, one son.

Professional career
Foward began his career with Emro Marketing Company on March 1, 1993. EMRO later became known as Speedway SuperAmerica LLC, then Speedway LLC, now 7-Eleven, Inc. He retired with more than 28 years of service on October 15, 2021. Foward served as a Store Manager, District Manager, Associate Category Manager (Cigarettes), Food Service Sales Rep., Facility Income Sales Coordinator, Associate Category Manager (Services), Fleet Relations Rep., Account Management Rep. and retired as a Program Manager.

Dayton City Commission
In 2003, Foward sought the endorsement of the Montgomery County Democratic Party for Dayton City Commissioner. The party endorsed Matt Joseph, former legislative aide to Congressman Tony P. Hall. Foward withdrew his name as a candidate after he did not receive the endorsement. There was a total of 9 candidates seeking the party's endorsement.

Ohio House of Representatives
On March 19, 2024 during the Ohio Primary Election, Foward was not able to secure the 38th House District of Ohio seat as he anticipated, as his opponent Desiree Tims won the election. He congratulated Tims on her successful campaign and advised that he would support her in the days ahead.

On January 6, 2024, Foward officially announced that he is seeking the Office of State Representative for the 38th House District of Ohio.

In October 2023, Foward pulled petitions to run for the 38th House District of Ohio. This seat is currently held by Rep. Willis Blackshear Jr., who is seeking the office of Ohio State Senator.

In September 2019, Foward pulled petitions to run for the 39th House District of Ohio. Current State Rep. Fred Strahorn said he would endorse Foward for his seat, however many well-known leaders of the Montgomery County Democratic Party got behind Willis Blackshear Jr., as his father, the late Willis E. Blackshear, Sr., longtime Montgomery County Recorder, had recently passed away from cancer.

In February 2002, while State Rep. Dixie Allen was considering a run for the Ohio Senate, a position that was held by Senator Rhine McLin who was seeking the office of Mayor for the City of Dayton, Foward pulled petitions to run for her 39th House District of Ohio seat. Former State Rep. Tom Roberts (Ohio politician) was chosen by the Ohio Senate Democratics to fill the unexpired term of Senator Rhine McLin after she resigned in January 2002 due to being elected Mayor of the City of Dayton in November 2001. Foward withdrew his name as a candidate in the May 2002 Primary after the Montgomery County Democratic Party endorsed Allen for the House Seat she currently held.

NAACP
On June 3, 2024, in his role as Compliance Officer and Trainer of the Ohio Conference NAACP, Foward held an organizational meeting to start the process to officially charter an Athens County NAACP in Southeast Ohio.

In a meeting led by Foward on January 29, 2024, the Dayton Unit of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) reached a settlement agreement between their client Helen Dewberry and Sleep Number, for the unwarranted interaction she received at their store located at 2599 Miamisburg Centerville Rd. in Miami Township. Sleep Number agreed to the following recommendations: Issued a verbal, followed by a written apology to Ms. Dewberry; Undisclosed financial settlement agreement; Diffusion, de-escalation and bias free customer service training for all store personnel starting on February 3, 2024; and other management decisions will be made with store personnel pending outcome of store meeting.

In September 2023, Todd Stanley, former Butler Township, Montgomery County, Ohio Police Sergeant, was found guilty of first-degree misdemeanor assault charge, for punching Dayton Unit NAACP client Laticka Hancock in the face over a piece of cheese that was left off of her Big Mac sandwich.

In August 2023, the City of Dayton and Dayton Unit NAACP client Jack Runser reached a $45,000 settlement agreement in the alleged police mistreatment case.

On August 29, 2023, Foward organized a Grand Opening celebration for the NAACP Dayton Headquarters with members of the Dayton Unit NAACP; American Friends Service Committee Building Management Committee; Montgomery County Land Bank; W. C. Jones Asphalt Paving Company; The Dayton Foundation; Solar United Neighbors; Eichelberger Foundation; U-Profit Carpet Outlet; Dodds Monuments; and other Special Guest who served as corporate, business and community partners. A tour of the building and a reception followed the ceremony.

In August 2023, before the official Grand Opening of the NAACP Dayton Headquarters, Foward spearheaded conversations between Attorney Gary Leppla, Chair of the Dayton Unit NAACP Environmental and Climate Justice Committee, Solar United Neighbors and the Eichelberger Foundation, to obtain the necessary funding to become the first business on the Salem Avenue Corridor to install solar panels. This was the last phase of the capital improvement project before opening the business.

In June 2023, the City of Dayton and the U.S. Department of Justice reached a settlement agreement in the alleged discrimination case in which the police dragged Dayton Unit NAACP client Clifford Owensby, Sr., a driver with disabilities, out of his car by his hair during a traffic stop.

In April 2023, Foward implemented a free ham distribution service to help defray cost associated with the Easter holiday.

In February 2023, during the 54th NAACP Image Awards, Foward was awarded the NAACP Image Award for Activist of the Year.

In January 2023, Latinka Hancock filed a complaint with the Dayton Unit NAACP after being assaulted (punched in the face) by Butler Township, Montgomery County, Ohio Police Officer, Sgt. Todd Stanley, over a piece of cheese that was left off of her Big Mac sandwich at McDonald's. Officer Tim Zellers pointed his taser in her face and threatened to deploy it. Foward demanded that Stanly be fired, but he was placed administrative leave.

In January 2022, Brittney Cooper (wife) and Michelle Cooper (mother) filed a complaint with the Dayton Unit NAACP of behalf of Brandon Cooper, Lyft Driver murdered in a robbery attempt. Foward has been working closely with Michael Wright, family attorney, to hold Lyft accountable for the death of Cooper. Another Lyft driver was robbed in the same vicinity hours earlier and should have notified all Lyft drivers about the robbery immediately. Foward also provided data related to black-on-black murders. He called these murders senseless and spoke about how Black families are hurting when losing loved ones due to senseless gun violence. Foward also called upon legislators to pass sensible gun laws.

On October 4, 2021, Clifford Owensby, Sr., a paraplegic man from Dayton, Ohio, filed a complaint with the Dayton Unit NAACP and President Derrick Foward, after he was dragged out of his car by his hair by a Dayton Police Officer. Owensby also filed a complaint with the DOJ and retained James Willis, Cleveland, Ohio-based attorney, as his legal counsel.

On April 17, 2021, President Foward held a press conference with Jack Runser, a mute and disabled man suffering from Cerebral Palsy, to address the abnormal treatment of their client by Dayton Police Officers.

In November 2020, Foward implemented a free Turkey distribution service to help defray cost associated with the Thanksgiving holiday.

On November 1, 2020, under the leadership of Foward, the Dayton Unit NAACP officially moved into what is now known as the NAACP Dayton Headquarters located at 915 Salem Ave. The building was constructed in 1918 and owned by the American Friends Service Committee since 1964. Foward entered into contract negotiations with the AFSC leadership team in April 2020 and was able secure funding for capital improvement projects such as a new roof through the process. In addition, Foward worked with the Montgomery County Land Bank to acquire the adjacent property at 911 Salem Ave. to construct a new parking lot for its clients and office volunteers. The Dayton Unit NAACP had been moving around and renting office space since its founding on May 10, 1915, but now has a place it can call home.

In March 2020, Foward met with Patricia Trammell, Building Management Committee Clerk for the American Friends Service Committee, along with another committee member, to discuss the possibility of the AFSC donating their Dayton, Ohio office to the Dayton Unit NAACP.

In February 2020, Foward demanded that an employee of H&L Market be fired due to calling the organization's client the N-Word. Foward also negotiated a settlement agreement with the store which included: cultural competency training for the staff, donations to community centers, community outreach and posting a public return policy in the store.

In May 2019, under the leadership of President Foward, the Dayton Unit NAACP organized 3 days of events to divert people's attention away from the planned visit of the Honorable Sacred Knights from Indiana KKK.

In January 2019, Foward spoke before the Miamisburg City School District Board of Education and demanded swift action to be taken after the child of a client of the Dayton Unit NAACP was called racial slurs and ultimately assaulted by another student at Miamisburg Middle School. Foward called upon the district to implement a district-wide diversity training program.

In January 2018, the Dayton Unit NAACP hosted a Town Hall to hear from residents, educators, business leaders and parents, about the proposed Dayton Public School closures. Foward shared those concerns at the February 2018 DPS Board Meeting and urged members of the DPS School Board not to close any of the 9 proposed sites.

In January 2018, Foward led a press conference along with local Pastors, to announce a community meeting that will be held with Premier Health Executives and Citizens of the City of Dayton, to address the impact the closing of Good Samaritan Hospital on the residents of Northwest Dayton. Foward was very clear and urged Premier to reconsider their position to close the hospital.

In September 2017, Foward demands Franklin Township, Warren County, Ohio Board of Trustees to fire Tyler Roysdon, firefighter for Franklin Township, for racist remarks he made on Facebook. Roysdon was suspended indefinitely. Roysdon resigned from his job.

In March 2016, Foward urged Jefferson Township, Montgomery County, Ohio Board of Trustees to fire Jeffrey Jones, firefighter for Jefferson Township, for racist remarks he made on Facebook regarding a commercial Foward was in with the owner of SVG Motors. The commercial in part focused on the fact that the Oscars did not have any African Americas nominated for any awards. Jones eventually resigned from his job days before he was to have a hearing.

In September 2015, Foward successfully negotiated a settlement agreement with the Kettering City School District to ban the flying of Confederate Flags on school property and to implement diversity training throughout the district.

In July 2015, the Dayton Unit NAACP launched a petition drive to oppose the Dayton Together Initiative for a City/County Merger. Foward led a group of community leaders to oppose the merger which would have disenfranchised over 140,000 residents of the city of Dayton.

On September 24, 2014, President Foward urged the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine, to investigate the shooting death of John Crawford III at the hands of a Beavercreek Police Officer at the Walmart in Beavercreek, Ohio. Foward also met with U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown to seek his support.

On November 30, 2014, President Foward filed a complaint on behalf of the citizens of Montgomery County, Ohio against 6 Sheriff's Deputies who were engaged in exchanging racially motivated text messages that contained derogatory jokes and threats to the African American community in Dayton, Ohio and abroad. Foward met with Sheriff Phil Plummer and Major Daryl Wilson to discuss to case. As a result of his complaint, Captain Tom Flanders and Detective Mike Sollenberger were terminated and three deputies were reprimanded. The other detective was not disciplined for his minimal participation.

In the wake of George Floyd's murder, the Jewish community sought guidance and direction from Foward on how to deal with racism in America. They sought his advice as Rabbi David Lefkowitz was one of the founding members of the Dayton Unit NAACP back in 2015. In addition, Foward worked with over 20 law enforcement agencies throughout Montgomery County, Ohio to implement an 8-point strategy on Criminal Justice Reform and Police Accountability.

The Montgomery County, Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police supported the 8-point strategy and continues to work towards making progress to fully implement.

On June 27, 2014, Foward applauded the action of the executive director of the Greater Dayton Regional Transit Authority to fire RTA bus driver Rickey Waggoner who lied about being shot by 3 black boys, and condemned the prosecutor's actions not to pursue charges.

In 2014, in his role as a State Officer of the Ohio Conference NAACP, Foward held an organizational meeting to start the process of reorganizing the Lima NAACP.

In 2013, under the leadership of President Foward, the Dayton Unit NAACP led a group of Daytonians on a trip to Washington DC to participate in the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington.

In July 2012, Joseph Ross filed a complaint with the Dayton Unit NAACP after being greeted at a Motel 6 in Sharonville, Ohio with the words "Hello Nigger" on the screen of his TV in his room. Foward conducted a full and complete investigation into the case and was able to reach a settlement agreement with Motel 6 for an undisclosed amount.

In 2011, Foward called upon FBI to investigate the death of Kylen English, who allegedly broke out of a Dayton Police car window and jumped over a bridge to his death.

In 2011, Foward spoke out against settle racism in the workplace and the lack of promotional opportunities made available to Black people due to the good ole boy network. He said this type of racism contributes greatly to the wealth gap in America.

In 2010, under the leadership of President Foward, the Dayton Unit NAACP led a group of Daytonians on a trip to Washington DC to participate in the 10-2-10 March on Washington.

In March 2010, under the leadership of President Foward, the Dayton Unit NAACP hosted a forum to educate parolees about how to access job opportunities, case management and drug rehab services.

In September 2008, Foward called upon the FBI to investigate a firebombing at the home of Saundra Ballard, a Black female residing in Jefferson Township, after the son (white male) of Earl McLearran (white male) set her house on fire while he was in jail on ethnic intimidation charges.

Legislation
On March 28, 2023, Foward provided testimony before the Ohio House of Representatives Criminal Justice Committee on House Bill 56 which is known as the Anti-Hooning Bill. The hooning started to become a real safety concern in early 2020. In his leadership role as President of Northern Hills Neighborhood Association and on behalf of its citizens, Foward filed a formal complaint with the City of Dayton, the City of Trotwood and the Montogomery County Sheriff's Office which led to a press conference he organized with the leadership of those institutions on November 9, 2020. Foward provided pictures and videos of this illegal and unsafe activity to the law enforcement agencies for evidence and enforcement purposes.

On November 15, 2022, Foward organized a press conference to address period equity due to ongoing health care disparities related to the inadequate supply of feminine hygiene products in Ohio prisons. He provided a platform for Kayelin Tiggs, Chair of the Dayton Unit NAACP Women in the NAACP Committee (WIN), along with a former inmate of Dayton Correctional Institution, to address the concern.

In 2021, Foward provided testimony (Pg. 19) before the Ohio Redistricting Commission at Sinclair Community College.

In November 2017, Foward announced that the Dayton Unit NAACP planned to launch a petition drive to outlaw the use of Red Light Cameras if police are not present.

In 2017, Foward lobbied Congresswoman Joyce Beatty on several NAACP legislative priorities, along with Hilary O. Shelton, NAACP Sr. VP of Advocacy and Policy and Director of the Washington Bureau and Tom Roberts, former Ohio State Senator and current President of the Ohio Conference NAACP.

In 2014, Foward urged Congressman Mike Turner to support the Voting Rights Amendment Act. Under the leadership of Foward, the Dayton Unit NAACP holds candidate forums for Special, Primary and General Elections so Citizens are informed and educated, thereby empowered to make well-informed decisions on the candidates of their choice.

In 2013, Foward slams the decision of the U.S. Supreme Court to invalidate key parts of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and urged Congressman Mike Turner to vote to restore those key elements as he done in 2006.

In 2010, Foward organized a press conference with leaders from the Dayton Public Schools District to address the ending of the 38-year-old Desegregation Case that was filed by the NAACP in 1972.

Awards and honors
Foward has earned the following awards and honors for his activism:

On May 26, 2024, Visual Voices honored and recognized NAACP Dayton Unit President and NAACP Image Award winner Dr. Derrick L. Foward as a Dayton Skyscraper along with Judge Mia Wortham-Spells, the late Carolyn Y. Perkins, Dr. Anthony B. Whitmore and Rev. Dr. Xavier L. Johnson, all of whom served in one of his nine administrations as President of the Dayton Unit NAACP.

On April 27, 2024, Toastmasters International District 40 presented NAACP Dayton Unit President and NAACP Image Award winner Dr. Derrick L. Foward with the Communication and Leadership Award during their Annual Conference in Fairborn, Ohio.

Under the leadership of President Foward, the Dayton Unit NAACP has been awarded the Thalheimer Award for 10 years in a row (2012 – 2019; 2022 – 2023), except the two COVID-19 years (2020 & 2021) when the NAACP did not accept nominations. The Thalheimer Award is the NAACP's top award given to Units for outstanding achievements. The honors have been given annually since 1944 from a grant from Dr. Ross Thalheimer, a Johns Hopkins University instructor in philosophy and a University of Washington instructor in philosophy and Sociology. The NAACP Thalheimer Award recognizes State & State Area Conferences and Branches for outstanding work in the implementation of the Association's strategic priorities and goals mandated by the National Board of Directors, in the areas of Membership, Fundraising, Legal Redress | Direct Action, Education, Health, Environmental & Climate Justice, Criminal Justice, Economic Sustainability, Political Action and Youth & Young Adult Engagement.

On May 3, 2023, Jeffrey J. Mims Jr., Mayor of the City of Dayton, Ohio presented President Foward with a Key to the city, for his selfless devotion and relentless efforts to combat racism and ensure equity and equality throughout Dayton.

NAACP Image Award for Activist of the Year (2023). NAACP Image Awards® nationally recognizes youth and adult members of NAACP for the work they do to improve their community, educate the masses, identify the problems, and lead the revolution to fix them. No matter how small or grand the revolution, the values and commitment of these individuals are essential to elevating the legacy and prominence of the NAACP's mission.

The Inaugural Gospel Superfest Community Service Award (2018) for outstanding service to the community.

In 2016, Foward received the Cardinal Joseph Louis Bernardin Community Service Award in recognition for his contributions to the community and his faithful service.

In 2016, Foward was very instrumental in establishing the first NAACP High School Chapter in the State of Ohio, the Move Foward Thurgood Marshall NAACP High School Chapter, located at Thurgood Marshall High School. He paid for the first 25 members of the chapter. The organization is named after Foward and US Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall.

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Delta Alpha Chapter, Citizen of the Year Award (2015-2016). The Citizen of the Year is selected each year from outstanding citizens nominated for unique contributions to humanity. The nominee should be a person of local, regional and International recognition and who are acclaimed by a significant segment of society for outstanding contributions to the welfare of mankind.

Access to Justice Community Advocacy Award (2015). This notable and prestigious award was presented during the Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, Inc. (ABLE), Legal Aid of Western Ohio, Inc. (LAWO) and Greater Dayton Volunteer Lawyers Project (GDVLD) Access to Justice Awards Gala.

Rupert Richardson Memorial Leadership Award (2012). This is the highest award a Local NAACP President can receive from the NAACP nationally. The award recognizes NAACP Presidents who avidly epitomizing excellence, professionalism, progressive innovation, input into youth development, Unit growth, collaboration and sustainability excellence.

Speedway Living Our Values "Volunteer of the Year" Award (2012). The purpose of this award is to recognize individuals who demonstrate an outstanding commitment to improving the communities in which they work and live.

Eta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Lambda Chapter Heart of Gold Honoree (2009). The Heart of Gold Award honors people who have gone beyond their normal jobs or duties to serve the community and promote positive opportunities for others. Each year the sorority chooses several deserving people and honors them while raising funds for college bound Dayton area students.

Parity, Inc. Top Ten African American Male Award (2009). The African American Male Top 10 Awards celebrate the achievements of 10 Greater Dayton Area African Americans who have positively contributed to the community through leadership and positive influence.