Vision
The George Thomas “Mickey” Leland Library and Museum of African History, Culture and Social Change, Inc; to serve as a community institution to highlight the many contributions Blacks have made in spite of their struggles in America; to enhance the literacy rate among Americans of African heritage; to bring different cultures together, in order to build on our cultural similarities for a clearer and better understanding of cultural differences, therefore, creating an environment of tolerance among all people. As visitors view the many accomplishments, they can celebrate the African culture in a manner designed to encourage the spirit and foster positive reception, embracing a common humanity of all that make-up our diverse society. We will offer an opportunity for public awareness to give confidence to future generations to continue making improvements and becoming contributors.

Mission
We are a community institution, 501(c) 3 functioning living cultural life organization: a centerpiece for education and community social change. To provide an educational environment for: history, ancient studies, archeology, antiquities, ecological, art, genealogy, music, travel, spiritual healing and understanding. Through these efforts we help affect change and close the gap between the poor and the privileged; as a result we strengthen the concept of individual and collective community improvement. Since 1996, our works have addressed; hunger, illiteracy, self-worth, cultural development and hopelessness, which are the greatest deterrents facing low-income communities.

History
The late Congressman Mickey Leland, as he was known, worked on behalf of poor people around the world from the Appalachian Mountains to Ethiopia, where he found his final destination on August 7, 1989. Congressman Leland’s concern for others reflected in his behavior. He constantly searched ways to better serve the people as he visited poor countries around the world and communities throughout America. He discovered that 85% of the people were illiterate; therefore, the Congressman’s other crusade became discovering ways to create opportunities for education to be in the forefront of the people most in need. In 1996, the Leland Library and Museum was created in honor of his commitment to health, education and culture. In 1998, nine years after his death, the George Thomas” Mickey” Leland Library and Museum of African History, Culture and Social Change was granted a 501(c) 3 to further advance the works of the late Congressman, but also to encourage education, cultural exchange and contribute to social change. The Congressman’s approach to addressing the needs of people was derived from the teachings of the President of Tanzania, the late Julius Nyerere. From this influence Leland became a man committed to change conditions of indigent people worldwide.

Programs
- Art Talks-to offer opportunities to youth to discover their untapped talents & simulate people suffering from mental depression
- On the Road to History Traveling Library and Museum -exchange student
- Drive-in-Theater Show on Civil Rights and Racism and Social Change
- “EBANO” forums concerns relating to the biases between Blacks and Hispanics by displaying the exhibit
- How to Organize a Small Library and Museum-internship program- partnerships with local colleges/universities and a summer job for high school youth.
- Grave History Facts –an extensive study of Afro-Louisiana History and Genealogy from 1699-1860 and slaves grave sites through out Texas
- Archeology discovery of the past and unknown
- Jazz on the Court and Theater Under the Lights-promotion of local talent to create self-worth, self-help and positive change in youth
- Equestrian Round-up- learning the art of horsemanship
- Agriculture- caring for the earth and all its inhabitants
- Center of Traditional Knowledge-focuses on integrating the wisdom and understanding developed by the indigenous people and the original people of Africa

Economic Impact
A large percentage of our visitors visit from outside of Texas. The library and museums’ economic impact have tremendous potential based on our attendance since 1999. The future looks very bright for the souvenir shop, tea and coffee house, which will enhance the ambiance of the library and museum plaza; therefore, allowing visitors to purchase specially handcrafted artifacts from Africa, Mexico, and Brazil. Also, a unique jewelry design from the Jacaranda School of Nairobi, Kenya will be available as it has been in the past. We are listed with the Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau-Multi Cultural Guide, which mean we are a wonderful addition to the economic growth of the museum district and city of Houston.

Hosting List
Visiting dignitaries who have bought gifts to acknowledge the life and contributions of the late Congressman Leland are: Sengadi Koka (son of South Africa’s founder of the “Black Consciousness Movement”, Mrs. Joe Aketch (wife of the recently elected Mayor of Nairobi, Kenya), Geronimo Pratt (former Lieutenant of Information for the Black Panther Party who spent 28 years in prison for a crime he did not commit), Claude Anderson (author of Black Labor and White Wealth), Charles Robinson (actor – Night Court), Charnelle Brown (actress – Different World), Oz Scott (movie producer), John Kennedy Horn (movie producer and co-manager of Mike Tyson), and Suliman Jerra (African artifacts appraiser). We are proud to welcome our visitors, who have come with interest and fascination – and the list continues to grow.

Community Impact
The George Thomas “Mickey” Leland Library and Museum will connect human resources and opportunity, which is the focus for culture and change, by giving birth to something matchless, extremely rare, distinctive and uncommon in order to commemorate true diversity.