Project seeks to preserve legacy of African American leaders - noteworthy news - National Visionary Leadership Project - Brief Article

Black Issues in Higher Education, March 28, 2002

WASHINGTON

Educator and philanthropist Dr. Camille O. Cosby and veteran newsmaker and producer Renee Poussaint recently launched the National Visionary Leadership Project (NVLP), a nationwide program that will record, preserve and disseminate videotaped biographical interviews of African American elders.

The NVLP was established to ensure the preservation of the valuable legacy of national and community-based African American leaders. Students from historically Black colleges and universities and other major institutions will be actively involved with the program by identifying, researching and videotaping leaders from their own communities. The program also will establish a mentoring program, independent study courses and training conferences for selected students.

So far, the project has interviewed a variety of leaders, including Dr. Dorothy Height, president emeritus of the National Council of Negro Women; the Rev. Andrew Young, former mayor of Atlanta; Dr. John Hope Franklin, renowned educator and presidential Medal of Freedom recipient; David Dinkins, former mayor of New York; and photographer Gordon Parks. Others interviewed include legendary entertainers Geoffrey Holder, Carmen deLavallade, Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee, many of whom were in attendance at a recent reception held in Washington to launch the project.

Also in attendance at the reception were comedian and activist Dick Gregory, former Atlanta Mayor Bill Campbell, Greater Washington Urban League President Maudine Cooper, former Spelman President Dr. Johnnetta Cole and President of the National Political Congress of Black Women, C. Delores Tucker. Award-winning actor and educator A1 Freeman, and a distinguished group of leaders from the worlds of art, business and politics also attended.

NVLP Headquarters is located at 1218 16th Street in Washington, D.C. For more information or to nominate a Visionary, contact The National Visionary Leadership Project at 202-331-2700 or visit the Web site <www.visionaryproject.com>.