SCLC headed to court, looks to judge to finally settle months of bitter public infighting

SCLC looks to judge to end months of bickering

ATLANTA — After months of confusion over who is in charge of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, dueling factions of the civil rights organization are headed back to court Wednesday in hopes that a judge can put to rest the group’s bitter public infighting.

The SCLC split last fall over allegations of financial mismanagement by its chairman and treasurer. Several members of the board of directors have sought to remove them from office, but the officers have challenged their dismissal. Divided allegiances have created the perception of two SCLC’s, both claiming to conduct the organization’s business as its president-elect, the Rev. Bernice King, has delayed taking office.

The SCLC was co-founded by King’s father, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1957.