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Life Research GroupREV. VAN
ELLIOTT WILLIAMS THE GROUP THAT SPECIALIZE AND FOCUS ON SOLUTIONS FOR INNER-CITY OR AT-RISK YOUNG PEOPLE
We are concerned with the mental, physical and spiritual growth of the whole person, researching statistics and developing new innovative ideas to help the community. The Life Research Group specializes in analyzing statistics to find solutions to the problems of inner-city communities and surrounding communities. We also focus on the problems of family and community survival. The program shows them how to enhance their spiritual well-being while improving the financial condition of their communities through their creative efforts. The Life Research Group is the Unity Community Center's historical and statistical research program and has helped our organization to be considered as one of the most accomplished non-profit community base organization in the United States of America. Since 1984 in all of the programs at the Unity Community Center, we have helped thousands of American citizens excel especially in academics and disciplines. Please refer to all of the programs and the performing arts programs of the Unity Community Center for further information. I, Robert Dickerson met Rev. Van Elliott Williams in April of 1984 along with his friend Rev. Frederick Douglass Kirkpatrick in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Rev. Van Elliott Williams was a world renowned artist, educator and teacher of spirituality. Rev. Frederick Douglass Kirkpatrick was a leader of the famous DEACONS OF DEFENSE in the southern states that was in charge of protecting Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King. Rev. Frederick Douglass Kirkpatrick directed us to call Rev. Van Elliott Williams, DOC. He said that DOC was so talented and intelligent and with his degrees in ministry; that he was our Doctor of Philosophy and Religion. Both of them became my spiritual holistic teachers and mentors. In the same month of April, 1984 Rev. Van Elliott Williams introduced me to another legend of music MR. LEON MITCHELL. Mr. Leon was also a great Spiritual Teacher, a professional printer and a legendary musical genius. We accredit Mr. Leon for all of our Musical Programs at the Unity Community Center. Meeting all three of them at the same time was awesome and I accredit them for teaching me the dynamics of community development and using our non-profit organization to offer our expertise of knowledge and skills for the community at its best. The blessing of meeting all three of these great men through God's grace was because of my long time friend JEROME (Rome) Williams after hearing Rev. Frederick Douglass Kirkpatrick on the famous GEORGIE WOODS Radio Talk Show in Philadelphia. The National Gallery of Art has 3 prints by Van Elliott. https://www.nga.gov/collection/artist-info.4029.html
Van Elliott (1924-2002)
Born,
February 27, 1924 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania William’s Social Security Application lists several alternative names: Elliott James Williams, Van Elliott Williams; Van E. Williams, Van Elliott. Van Elliott was an African American printmaker, action painter, educator, writer, engineer, community activist, and church leader. 1948: William’s profession is listed as “Commercial Art” on his marriage certificate to Beatrice E. Singleton. 1963-1964: Prints, signed “Van Elliott” Spirituals, 1963, etching and aquatint in black plate, edition of 250, Associated American Artists [Three African American women, holding hymnals, singing.] Sit in Sit Down, before 1964, etching and aquatint, edition of 10 [An African American man seated at a lunch counter. Depicting the Civil Rights “Sit In” movement.] Shadows, before 1964, etching and aquatint, edition of 20. [Four African American male portraits, surrounded by shadows.] Exhibitions, Demonstrations and Workshops: University of Puerto Rico Museum, April 7-24, 1964, engravings by Van Elliott Williams. Ref. The San Juan review, vol. 1, p. 41, 1964.
Paris Scratchpad, by Art Simmons, in Jet
Magazine, December 12, 1968: “Painter, writer, engineer Van Elliott Williams,
Semana Cultural Norteamericana, Instituto de
Estudios Norteamericanso, Barcelona, Spain, November 10-15, 1969. Ref.: 7 Dias/Days, Instituto de Estudios Northasmericanos, no. XII, Num. 386, November, 1969, Supplement.
MARCFEST’82, (Minority Arts Resource Council),
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Performance list: “Van Elliott, who paints to jazz music” Ref. Philadelphia Inquirer, July 16, 1982, p. 102. Organizations:
1984: The Life Research Group was found by the
Rev. Van Elliott Williams. Ref. Life Research Group website: (www.unitycommunity.com) 1987: Van Elliott Williams and Rosita Johnson founded the Friends of Solomon Mahlangu Freedom College (SOMAFCO) in June 1987. ref. African Activist Archive (aficanactivist.msu.edu)
Deborah Tear Haynes Office 603.646.2783
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The Life Research Group was founded by the late Rev. Van Elliott Williams and directed by