C. payne lucas

C. Payne Lucas

C. Payne Lucas was an inspirational leader in African development, best known as cofounder and longtime president of Africare. He was one of 14 children. He supported his family by shining shoes and picking cotton during the Great Depression. C. Payne earned a BSc. in History from University of Maryland Eastern Shore and an MSc. in Government from American University. He joined the Peace Corps in 1961; served in Togo, became Country Director in Niger, then Regional Director for Africa and Director of Returned Volunteers. In 1970, inspired by a plea from Niger’s President, Lucas co-founded Africare. Under C. Payne’s 31year leadership (1971–2002), Africare grew from a small drought relief initiative to the largest African-American founded non-profit organization focused on Africa. He left a legacy of hundreds of successful projects, a strengthened bridge between African and African American communities, and deepened U.S. engagement in African development.
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Dr. joseph c. kennedy

Dr. Joseph C. Kennedy

Dr. Joseph C. Kennedy was a visionary leader whose work at Africare spanned nearly three decades. From co-founding the organization and expanding its programs to mentoring a generation of development professionals, his contributions transformed Africare into a leading force in African development—earning admiration from colleagues and communities alike. Dr. Kennedy earned a BSc. and M.A. from Ohio State University, and a Ph.D. in Social Psychology from Columbia University in 1958, becoming the second Black American to achieve this distinction. He served in the U.S. Army, including a stint during the Korean War. He joined the Peace Corps in 1960, serving as Deputy Regional Director for Africa and later Regional Director for East Asia & the Pacific, overseeing programs in countries such as Sierra Leone. Dr. Kennedy was a prolific writer on African development, featuring in publications like The New York Times Magazine and The Washington Post. Authored an autobiography, Shade in a Cage, and traveled to over 100 countries during his lifelong service to Africa.