First female leader oversaw TransAfrica’s renaissance, increased relevance on contemporary issues impacting Africa and the African Diaspora, and brought TransAfrica into digital age
(Washington, DC) – Nicole C. Lee, Esq has resigned as president of TransAfrica, the legendary rights organization which became a nonprofit in 1977 and is famous for its historic work to free the late Nelson Mandela from imprisonment. Lee was the first woman to lead the organization. Her eight-year term was second in length to Randall Robinson, the founder of the organization.
Lee coordinated the U.S. national memorial for Mandela held at the Washington Cathedral featuring Vice President Joe Biden, South African Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool, and actress Alfre Woodard.
Lee, a prominent human rights attorney before assuming the role of president, said it was the passing of the legendary Nelson Mandela last December that in part led to her decision. She coordinated the U.S. national memorial for Mandela held at the Washington Cathedral featuring Vice President Joe Biden, South African Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool, and actress Alfre Woodard.
“I am proud of what TransAfrica was able to accomplish during my term. Now I want the opportunity to work more closely with other international movements and organizations and work with communities here at home in understanding international affairs.” said Lee. Under Lee’s leadership the organization became a dynamic policy force, lobbying on Capitol Hill for a myriad of causes to benefit African and Caribbean nations. Lee led a diverse team and provided in depth analysis of policy issues for a broad spectrum of African organizations, policy makers and thought leaders. She oversaw the modernization of the organization’s communications infrastructure and enhanced its social media platforms allowing for more engagement with NGOs overseas. Lee also led TransAfrica in embracing relevant social issues. Most recently Lee was instrumental in bringing rights activist Frank Mugisha to the U.S to meet with rights leaders concerned with Uganda’s anti-gay policies.
In her letter to the Chairman of TransAfrica’s Board of Directors, actor Danny Glover, Lee stated: “Upon assuming my role, and with the Board’s encouragement and stated support, we set out to build upon TransAfrica’s legacy as a voice for social justice, and create a body of work that was true to its Pan African and civil rights history. Today, TransAfrica stands as a renowned thought leader on issues relating to the African Diaspora, and serves as ‘the voice’ of advocacy with regards to matters of social, political, and economic justice for members of the Diaspora .”
For more information contact:
Enid Doggett (202) 246-3982
enid@insprmedia.com
