NOTE:

It is with tremendous remorse that we announce the passing of Mr. Leonard Parker on December 7, 2007. A man of great vision, Leonard was a beacon in continuing to bring performance artistry to even higher levels.

Appointed in the 1960's by Rev. Adam Clayton Powell to head the Arts and Culture Foundation, Leonard Parker was a highly skilled actor, baritone singer, producer and director.

His latest production, "Reflections of Time" was received with great reviews in 2006 and 2007. Before his passing, Leonard was actively working with his ensemble of actors and performers to expand the production and also include dance sequences in this period piece.

A model of manhood, Leonard Parker embodied the integrity and dignity of the culture he so embraced. His presence will be forever missed, yet always remembered.

The Arts and Culture Foundation,
Family, Friends, and Associates of Leonard Parker

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Leonard R. Parker
Founder and CEO

Dorothy Gordon
Chairman

Dorothy Porter
Vice Chairman

Bruce Perry
Treasurer

Cecelia Walborne
Secretary

Rev. Phillip Mann
Leonard Marshall
Gracie Carroll

MISSION OF THE ARTS AND CULTURE FOUNDATION, INC.

During the last two decades we have witnessed a steady decline of performing arts subjects being provided in New York City Schools as well as a decrease in community based programs offering these services. New York City has undergone drastic fiscal cutbacks, which have lead to this decrease in spending for arts programs. There have been small movements sprouting throughout New York City and the nation, focusing on the importance of the arts to our young people and for future generations. It has been proven that children involved in and exposed to the arts excel better in school. The children become more focused and creative. Socialization skills are better, as children feel more confident in expressing themselves. These children become adults.

The purpose of The Arts and Culture Foundation, Inc. is to develop a program to provide the residents of the community with a representative selection of the finest arts of the world;

• to offer systematic assistance to gifted youth and adults in the development of their talents
• to expose all young people with the basic arts experience which is fundamental to creative achievement in all professions and careers
• to equip young people with those verbal and intellectual skills, aesthetic concepts and moral values which we in America believe to be prerequisite to professional and personal advancement
• to provide a home for the large community of gifted performers who have failed to gain appropriate opportunities and rewards because of discriminatory practices in the arts
• to offer broader opportunities to multi-cultural/gifted performers to demonstrate that desegregation in the arts may be achieved in America to the advantage of the artist, the professional, the spectator and the nation at large
• to raise the cultural consciousness of our community
• to develop methods for financial funding to aid and support the Foundation program activities