Leon Jenkins turned in his resignation letter as the NAACP Los Angeles chapter president Thursday, after the organization revoked an award given to L.A. Clippers owner Donald Sterling earlier this week. Jenkins wrote in his letter “that the legacy, history and reputation of the NAACP is more important to me than the presidency.”
Jenkins and the chapter came under fire for their choice of honoring Sterling with a lifetime achievement award in 2009, and they even planned to honor him yet again this month. Jenkins placed the blame for the negative press on his shoulders, saying, “In order to separate the Los Angeles NAACP and the NAACP from the negative exposure I have caused the NAACP.”
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Financial records revealed that Sterling was a major donor to the L.A. chapter, contributing over $45,000 since 2007. The chapter would not disclose the exact amount, but revealed they will return the donations.
NAACP interim President and CEO Lorraine Miller has been chosen to fill the vacant chair, while the organization finds a better system to select honorees.