After an emotional exchange in 1983, [Margaret Bush Wilson] temporarily suspended [Benjamin Hooks] and replaced him with Atkins. But the board of directors sided with Hooks and stripped Wilson of most of her power. Atkins later resigned as general counsel, effective July 1, 1984.

At the time, Hooks claimed Atkins' departure was not related to the internal dispute. But sources said Hooks had asked for Atkins' resignationbecause of the attorney's role in the feud.

US District Judge W. Arthur Garrity Jr. received a copy of [Grover G. Hankins]' letter Monday, along with formal notification that Hankins will now represent the NAACP himself. Other attorneys in the Boston case received copies yesterday.