Alphonso David, the first Black president of the Human Rights Campaign, an American LGBTQ advocacy organization, was fired on September 6, 2021, after he advised former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo how to defend himself concerning allegations of sexual harassment brought by several women. 

David said he has reached a settlement with HRC, which is based in Washington, D.C., but the terms of the settlement were not disclosed.

His downfall occurred after New York Attorney General Letitia James released a report about David advising Governor Cuomo.

James described David’s efforts as an attempt to cover up sexual harassment claims against Governor Andrew Cuomo and undermine the credibility of his accusers. Prior to becoming president of HRC, he served as an in-house lawyer for the governor. 

But once James’ disclosure became known, some HRC members wanted to get rid of David, claiming that his efforts on behalf of Cuomo hurt their image. Also, many employees did not like him.

David sued the organization.

He claimed his firing was only the culmination of a long chain of racist actions HRC made toward him. 

David filed a racial discrimination lawsuit claiming the HRC had unjustifiably terminated his contract and that they had paid him less than the White man who had served as HRC’s president before him and had therefore violated the equal pay act.

On June 30, 2022, David was announced as the president and CEO of the Global Black Economic Forum, an organization working “to serve and advocate on behalf of the economic needs of the Black community.” 

The forum is based in New York City.