FAMU trustee joins ex-con’s ticket in bid to lead Baptist convention

FAMU could soon face a rash of negative state and national headlines if one of its trustees is successful in today’s National Baptist Convention, USA election.

The Rev. R.B. Holmes, Jr., a FAMU trustee and former vice-chairman, is the Rev. Henry J. Lyons’ runningmate in the later’s bid for the convention presidency. Lyons previously served as the convention’s leader from 1994 to 1999. He stepped down in disgrace after being convicted of racketeering and grand theft. Lyons also pled guilty to tax evasion and fraud. The charges involved $5.2M, which included money he stole from contributions intended to help rebuild southern black churches that were destroyed by arson.

Lyons spent about five years in prison and another five on probation.

Holmes originally planned to run for convention president with Rev. James Adams of Memphis, Tenn. However, his hopes were dashed after convention officials ruled that he did not turn in his qualifying materials on time.

“After much prayer, consultation, and soul searching Dr. James Adams and I have prayerfully agreed to support the candidacy of The Reverend Dr. Henry J. Lyons,” Holmes said. “Why? We believe that Dr. Lyons has asked God, this Convention, and this nation to forgive him.”

The ticket’s platform calls for developing retirement communities, building a television/radio ministry, and supporting historically black colleges and universities.

The convention will vote on its new leadership today in Memphis. The Lyons-Holmes ticket is being opposed by the Rev. Julius R. Scruggs of Huntsville, Ala. and Rev. Jerry Young of Jackson, Miss.

A Lyons-Holmes victory is sure to attract very negative attention from the St. Petersburg Times, which has written the most about Lyons’ troubles. Last year, Times reporters and columnists raked FAMU through the coals for hiring Holmes’ brother as principal of the university’s Development Research School.