Amid considerable tensions, the Rev. Bernice King says she will not assume the presidency of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.
King was elected in October 2009 to lead the organization co-founded by her father, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., more than 50 years ago. Soon after, the SCLC's chairman was accused of financial mismanagement, and bitter infighting among the group's leaders landed the split factions in a courtroom.
King said Friday that she is shifting her attention to furthering her mother's legacy after dedicating "an exhaustive amount of time, energy and resources to assess the organization and prepare for my transition."
She says her vision did not align with that of the SCLC board. She notified board leadership of her decision on Thursday.
