The president of a local civil rights group said he “regrets” calling a convicted voting felon to the stage during the Cincinnati launch of the Ohio Voters Bills of Rights petition drive.
Bishop Bobby Hilton called Melowese Richardson, who recently was released from prison after being convicted of voter fraud, to the stage on March 20, drawing criticism from both parties.
Many in the audience of more than 600 stood and cheered as Hilton and the Rev. Al Sharpton – the keynote speaker – hugged Richardson.
Hilton, senior pastor of the Forest Park church where the rally was held and the head of the Cincinnati chapter of the National Action Network, released a statement to The Enquirer Thursday, saying what Richardson did was wrong and she is not a “voting right hero.”
Inviting Richardson on stage was a bone-headed move and self-inflicted wound.