Formwalt made big difference at ACRI

It was almost unbelievable good fortune for the Civil Rights Institute when Dr. Lee Formwalt returned to Albany to become its Executive Director. His commitment was genuine. For those who do not remember or never knew, Lee was a professor of history at Albany State University for decades. His roots with the Civil Rights Institute date back to when it was called the “Civil Rights Museum.” He inherited an establishment that was dysfunctional and sinking. The coffers were bare and substantive programming was nil. Lee corrected a dysfunctional phone arrangement with AT&T, created interesting monthly programs for the Institute by bringing in amazing speakers and panelists, and connected with past contributors to reopen their check books for the Institute. He was a perfect fit for the Institute who did not need much direction on how to breathe life into it. Alas, we have lost Dr. Formwalt. A concrete and sensible reason for his departure is still elusive. He managed the Civil Rights Institute quite well and his leadership, professionalism and integrity will be missed.

CONNIE CURRY PHIPPS, Albany