Leon Jenkins is Out! L.A. NAACP Chief Resigns Over Sterling Award Scandal | EURweb// // // // // // // // // // // //
Los Angeles NAACP chapter president Leon Jenkins has resigned over the organization’s connections to Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling.
Under Jenkins’ leadership, the organization was getting set to give Sterling a lifetime achievement award but after the audio recordings of Sterling making racist comments emerged, Sterling was banned for life from the NBA on Tuesday and fined $2.5 million. This cancelled the award for Sterling and the end for Jenkins NAACP presidency.
According to the NY Times, records indicate that Sterling’s various foundations have given Jenkins’ branch at least $45,000 since 2007. The Times report also stated that Sterling was given a similar award under Jenkin’s leadership in 2009.
Jenkins stated in his letter of resignation:
“Please be advised that the legacy, history and reputation of the NAACP is more important to me than the presidency. In order to separate the Los Angeles NAACP and the NAACP from the negative exposure I have caused the NAACP, I respectfully resign my position as President of the Los Angeles NAACP.”
The NAACP accepted Jenkins’ resignation in an email sent to EUR, NAACP Interim President and CEO Lorraine C. Miller.
