The President of the LA branch of the NAACP, Leon Jenkins, has resigned following the backlash behind his decision to honor disgraced Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling with a lifetime achievement award. Sterling has been in headlines over the past week behind statements he made regarding African-Americans in a private conversation that was recorded by girlfriend, V. Stivano.
The Interim President and CEO of the NAACP, Lorraine C. Miller, has released a statement.
Last night, I accepted Leon Jenkins’ resignation from his position as President of the Los Angeles branch. This was the first of many steps we as an organization are taking to address this issue. The NAACP remains actively engaged in a review of the Los Angeles branch. We will determine the shortcomings that enabled Donald Sterling to receive or be considered for any awards. We will prevent this from happening again.
We recognize the need for all our units to have the resources to serve their communities, but we must not allow that need to compromise our founding principles. We must determine what Donald Sterling donated to the NAACP Los Angeles branch—in order for it to be returned.
My friends, I know you may be angry, frustrated, and confused. We will be making changes, and I hope our commitment to addressing this issue helps us move forward, so we can remain focused on the critical issues facing so many of our communities.
In his letter of resignation, Jenkins stated a desire not to tarnish the legacy of the NAACP.
