The late Leonard H. Robinson, Jr, founder of The Africa Society, had more than 30 years working and living experience in international affairs, with regional specialization in Africa and Asia. He served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs from 1983-85, where he was responsible for the formulation of economic and commercial policies. As Deputy Assistant Secretary of State from 1990-1993, he facilitated U.S. policies toward Central and West Africa. His other Africa-related assignments centered on Narcotics, Terrorism, Democracy and the Peace Corps (where he served as a volunteer, Associate Director for India and Director of Minority Recruitment for the U.S.). He also directed U.S. diplomatic initiatives to help in the resolution of the Liberia civil war.

Robinson spent six years as President of the U.S. African Development Foundation, which was established by Congress in 1981 to provide official assistance to community-based organizations and grassroots enterprises throughout Africa. During his tenure, annual Congressional appropriations increased from an initial $1 million to $17 million dollars. He also worked with the U.S. Agency for International Development and the Battelle Memorial Institute.

A native of North Carolina, Robinson received his B.A. from Ohio State University and attended graduate school at the State University of New York, Binghamton. He later attended post graduate school at the American University in Washington, D.C., and Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. He was the recipient of two honorary doctoral degrees.