JACKSON ENDS HIS RUN FOR NAACP LEADERSHIP

                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, April 8, 1993                   TAG: 9304080046
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL                    PAGE: A11   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: WASHINGTON                                LENGTH: Medium
JACKSON ENDS HIS RUN FOR NAACP LEADERSHIP
Jesse Jackson, citing a move by some NAACP board members to weaken the position of executive director, said Wednesday he is no longer interested in heading the civil rights organization.
Jackson withdrew in a letter to NAACP board Chairman William Gibson, dated Wednesday. The withdrawal came two days before the NAACP's full board is to vote on a successor to Benjamin Hooks, who is to retire at the end of the month.
The five-page letter was received in the NAACP's Baltimore headquarters, said spokesman Jim Williams.
"Even if my No. 1 ranking is upheld by the full board of directors, it would not be in the best interest of the NAACP membership for me to continue to permit my name to be considered," Jackson wrote.
He said he'd "had a chance to reflect" on a proposed rule change that would broaden the board's powers over day-to-day functions of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.
"The idea . . . is a substantial shift from the current constitution," Jackson said. "A strong director - with meaningful powers and duties - is essential to a strong NAACP.
"I felt, then and now, that on the matter of constitutional changes, I would err on the side of conservatism because constitutional changes have such long-lasting effects," he said. "Although I have withdrawn my name from consideration, I have not withdrawn my love, my respect and my hope for the NAACP's survival and progress."
Jackson, a Baptist minister, indicated he would not attend the Friday meeting in Atlanta because it conflicted with the Easter holiday.
His withdrawal came amid rumors in NAACP circles that many chapters - as well as some black Americans who look to the NAACP for leadership - objected to Jackson's candidacy.
His supporters said Jackson's national visibility would be good for the organization. Opponents argued that the NAACP needs new blood among its leadership.
The other candidates for the job are the Rev. Benjamin Chavis, 45, head of the United Church of Christ's Commission For Racial Justice; Jewell Jackson McCabe, 47, founder of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women; and Earl Shinhoster, 42, NAACP Southeastern regional director.

by Bhavesh Jinadra by CNB