subordinate body to oversee the Iowa African American Hall of Fame, which was referred to as the ‘Iowa African American Hall of Fame Advisory Board (IAAHOFAB). Dr. Jackson served as President, and I served as the Vice President. The IAAHOFAB created ‘standing committees’ within the Black Cultural Center. I was excited by, and confident in, the established process for managing the Iowa African America Hall of Fame. The following are examples of their leadership: Standing Committee Chairs Selection Committee—Gary Lawson Banquet Committee—Dolph Pulliam Public Relations—Gary Lawson and Dolph Pulliam Corporate Sponsorship—Dr. Thomas Phillips George Washington Carver Leadership Academy*—Dr. Mary Chapman Community Outreach—Rudy Simms Finance Committee—Dolph Pulliam Legislative Committee—LaMetta Wynn Selection Committee Procure African American nominations to present to the Board Banquet Committee Develop program for the annual induction ceremony Public Relations To establish and promote the IAAHF and subordinate activities Corporate Sponsorship Identify prospective corporations to support IAAHF George Washington Carver Leadership Academy Identify students who can benefit from leadership training Community Outreach Committee Develop the community interest in the IAAHF Finance Committee Advise the Board of Directors on the resources of the IAAHF SelectionCommittee…… …….Gary Lawson Banquet Committee……………Dolph Pulliam Public Relations………………..Gary Lawson and Dolph Pulliam (co-chairs) Corporate Sponsorship…………Dr. Thomas Phillips George Washington Carver Leadership Academy*…Dr. Mary Chapman Community Outreach……………Rudy Simms Finance Committee………………Dolph Pulliam *Inspired by a hugely successful release by Whitney Houston during the mid1980’s, titled ‘Greatest Love of All’, and focusing on the words…“I believe the children are our future, teach them well and let them lead the way”…I developed the concept for what was to become the ‘George Washington Carver Leadership Academy’ for youths, which became an official activity of the Iowa African American Hall of Fame during 2005. The primary instructors for the George Washington Carver Academy were Dr. George Jackson, Rudy Simms and myself. ——Gary Lawson 7
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