02/25/2026
For this month’s FORMATION Spotlight, we celebrate our long-standing client, Charles A. Black ()—actor, activist, historian, and one of the last surviving students of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at Morehouse College.
As a founder of the Atlanta Student Movement in 1960, Charles helped organize sit-ins and co-drafted the “Appeal for Human Rights,” sparking change that rippled across the nation. Alongside leaders like Julian Bond and Lonnie C. King Jr., he stood at the forefront of a generation that reshaped history. From 1962–1965, he served as one of the first Editors of The Atlanta Inquirer, ensuring the movement had its own powerful, authentic voice.
His leadership has continued for decades through board service and chairmanships across numerous civil and human rights organizations. He currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Freedom University. In response to Georgia laws restricting undocumented students' access to several of the state’s top public universities, Freedom University prepares scholars for admission to leading institutions nationwide. For at least the past two years, every student has earned a full scholarship to a prestigious college or university—a testament to Charles’ commitment to educational equity.
He chaired Illien Adoptions International for over 15 years, helping transition its mission into Foundation for Our Children, where he now serves as Chairman of the Board—supporting and preparing children in orphanages worldwide for life beyond institutional care.
Beyond his civil rights leadership, Charles has built a 35+ year acting career, appearing in
projects such as The Patriot, In the Heat of the Night, and Selma. One of his favorite roles was starring in a series of faith-based films on generosity shared in 3,000+ churches nationwide.
Today, he continues the work—mentoring activists, building bridges across generations,
and reminding us that service is a lifelong calling.
We are honored to represent not just an extraordinary talent but a living legacy.
Click the link in our bio to donate to one of Charlie’s worthy causes and to see him in the official Rod Wave music video for "SINNERS"! 🔗
