Leon W. Russell

Russell spent nearly four decades as the Director of the Office of Human Rights for Pinellas County in Clearwater, Florida, retiring in 2012.[3][4] For his contributions to the improvement of equality and equity across the United States, Russell has received numerous civic awards and citations.[5]

Russell has spent over four decades in various leadership capacities with the NAACP.[6][7] Under his leadership, the NAACP has taken on environmental and climate justice as civil and human rights issues.[8] In 2023, Russell presented Congressman Bennie Thompson with the NAACP Image Award – Chairman's Award.[9][10][11][12] In 2022, Russell presented Samuel L. Jackson with the NAACP Image Award – Chairman's Award.[13][14][15][16] In 2021, He presented Rev. James Lawson with the NAACP Image Award – Chairman's Award.[17][18][19][20] Russell presented the NAACP Image Award – Chairman's Award to congressman John Lewis in 2020.[21] Russell believes in the well-being of America's children, serving on various boards to ensure their rights are protected.[22] He led a campaign, with the assistance of former National presidents of the NAACP, to focus on bringing young adults into the organization to change the mindset of how people view the NAACP.[23] As Chairman of the NAACP National board of directors, Russell is charged with setting policy for the National NAACP President and CEO to implement. He outlined the strategy in 2017.[24] He spent time in Ohio urging young adults to get engaged in the Civil Rights movement.[25]