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ADF PAYS TRIBUTE TO LEONARD ROBINSON, THE FOUNDATION'S FIRST PRESIDENT APPOINTED IN 1984.
WASHINGTON - August 22, 2006
Leonard H. Robinson, Jr., the first appointed President of the African Development Foundation, passed away suddenly on July 25, 2006 after a brief illness. A dynamic and persistent champion for African development, he was the guiding light in the formative years of the African Development Foundation (ADF), setting in place the building blocks that have helped make the Foundation what it is today: one of the US Government's premier foreign assistance programs for the alleviation of poverty in Africa.
Leonard Robinson was a natural choice to lead ADF during its early years. His professional experiences and personal beliefs drove his enthusiasm to educate the Amercian public about the 54 countries that make up the African continent, and their role in the world's economic development. Throughout his life, he searched for ways to demonstrate this, and encouraged all those who worked with him to do the same.
Leonard H. Robinson, Jr., was born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He obtained his Bachelor's degree from Ohio State University and later pursued further academic study at SUNY, Binghamton, New York, and at the John F. Kennedy School of Harvard University.
His career spanned several years in the Peace Corps and in private industry, such as Battelle's Human Affairs Research Centres (HARC) and Planned Parenthood, where he dealt largely with population issues.
After serving as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Africa under Chester Crocker in the Reagan administration, Robinson was appointed president of the newly created African Development Foundation, established by an act of the US Congress. In early 1984, ADF was an organization in name only. Leonard Robinson arrived and added substance to the ADF framework. He regarded the Foundation as the United States' "jewel in the crown".
From the start of his tenure as President of ADF, Leonard Robinson demanded that Africa be afforded the dignity and nobility it had been denied over the years. He was a champion for the African people, and looked upon development as a mutually beneficial effort, with each culture sharing information and learning from each other. He devised strategies for indigenous Africans to design and operate their own projects, giving audience to the poor, women and the youth. At the same time he organized chapters of Friends of ADF, and communciated with many of the development groups looking for a direction to reach the African people. He also established the highly popular African Ambassadors' seminars and other such informative meetings.
IIn the process of putting ADF on the map, Robinson hired a roster of staff, some Africanist, some not, whom he inspired by his dedication and commitment to give their very best to the fulfillment of ADF’s mission. Leonard (as his staff always called him) believed in development of the people who worked at ADF and that each person at ADF was a representative and ambassador of the agency. Whether you were the receptionist who had never traveled outside the United States or the most seasoned Africanist, you were important to ADF’s mission. He made it his business to include and educate everyone in this labor of love, and brought elegance and nobility to his greatest love: African development.
Leonard H. Robinson, Jr., was a 20th century warrior, a wonderful "Drum Major" for the development of a continent whose riches are just beginning to be recognized. He will be sorely missed.
A number of those who worked with Leonard have sent messages which very eloquently express their feelings toward him as a man and as a mentor. Following are some excerpts:
“…All who know you can recall your repeated national call for a “Marshall Plan” to assist the development of the Africa continent…. One challenge … was to convey the distinction between ADF’s mandate and that of bilateral [agencies]. It was “revolutionary” to some, when you decided that ADF would employ African professionals as foundation representatives …. Lenny, you have made a footprint in the lives of many far and near. Your commitment to an ideal has been an inspiration. Your tenacity to principle has been enduring. We are all better for having known you.” Earl Brown
“…Here's to you, Leonard… you assembled one of the most diverse and talented group of people ever who worked at ADF during those critical launching years… Whatever our differences and talents, and they were many, you and Percy [Wilson, Vice President] brought a level of leadership and commitment to Africa's poor in the rural villages and urban slums throughout the Continent…. It was my deep pleasure to serve … during those years. I will always cherish the highest level of professionalism you instilled in us all…and the … deep respect and love we had for each other and you…. As you now look on us from the other side, you can rightly feel proud of the humanity you instilled in us all … and our deep collective commitment to Africa's most underserved and beautiful people.” Tom Katus
“[Leonard] afforded me an opportunity … to learn about humanity, sharing, and hope for Africans… It was an honor to have known Leonard during my years at ADF. He was an exceptional leader. He handed down his wisdom to us; [h]e exemplified sound principles…. He always had words of encouragement. I admired him for his confidence, leadership, and [his] love for Africa. He will be greatly missed.” Barbara Brawner
“I was 22 when I started working for ADF and, at that very impressionable time in my life, Leonard was an exceptional role model… He instilled in me a feeling of pride and excellence…. Leonard always took a personal interest in me and I could always count on him to give me good and honest advice…. I am happy to have called him a friend. I truly admired him and I will miss knowing he is here with us.” Curtis Boykin
“His genuine love for Africa and the African people was apparent in every aspect of ADF life. He was a leader and his enthusiasm for his mission to help the underprivileged in Africa was contagious. He will be deeply missed.” Marine Niewald
“I was fortunate to have known Leonard during my years at ADF. He was an exceptional leader and mentor. …[H]e projected professional and personal standards which remain with me to this day. I am saddened by his passing. We have lost an exceptional person” Leonard B. Floyd
The African Development Foundation (ADF) is a United States Government agency dedicated to expanding access to economic opportunity in Africa. Over the past 20 years, ADF has funded 1,600 projects in support of African entrepreneurs and local African communities. For more information on ADF, its programs and its application guidelines, visit: www.adf.gov. A copy of President Rodney J. MacAlister’s testimony to the House International Relations Sub-Committee on Africa, Global Human Rights and International Operations can be downloaded here.