Tuskegee Human & Civil Rights Multicultural Center Announces Dr. David Fleer as Executive Director
We are pleased to share important news about the continued growth of the Tuskegee Human & Civil Rights Multicultural Center and the leadership guiding its future.
Effective May 15, 2026, Dr. David Fleer will be elevated from Director of Advancement to Executive Director. This appointment has the full approval of our Board of Directors and carries our strongest endorsement.
Dr. Fleer will lead the entire Center, which advances its mission through two interconnected pillars:
- Tuskegee History Center — Established in 1997 to honor the victims and survivors of the Tuskegee Syphilis Study, preserving Tuskegee and Macon County’s painful struggles while affirming the resilience and achievements of their communities.
- Fred Gray Institute for Human and Civil Rights — Established in 2024 to advance civil rights education, leadership development, and justice‑centered programming by carrying forward the legacy of Attorney Fred D. Gray in defending voting rights, ensuring due process, expanding educational equity, and confronting medical racism.
Together, these pillars position the Center as both a destination and a national voice: preserving history while activating it for contemporary impact.
During Dr. Fleer’s tenure, the Center has expanded its convening power and national reach. We established an annual National Symposium that brings together leaders, scholars, and community members for critical conversations on justice and civil rights. The March 2025 and March 2026 convenings drew more than 400 participants from 23 states, creating space for meaningful dialogue and collaboration among those committed to advancing justice. The Center also launched Dialogos, an ongoing series of community dialogue sessions focused on advocacy and actionable strategies in education, voting rights, and medical ethics.
On the Institute’s growth and the path forward, Attorney Fred D. Gray said, “In a short period of time, the Fred D. Gray Institute has built real momentum, and David Fleer has been an important part of that progress. He understands that this work is not only about preserving history, but also about educating and convening people for honest conversation and action, and preparing the next generation for what lies ahead. He has done so with deep respect for the principles that have guided my life’s work. I am grateful for his leadership and look forward to all the Institute will continue to do as he steps into the role of Executive Director.”
Today, the Center’s programming continues to grow and deepen, including:
- Symposium 2026: featured inspiring speakers, panels, and community engagement focused on voting rights, media and social justice, and actionable strategies
- Symposium 2025: brought together leaders, scholars, and community members for critical conversations on justice and civil rights
- Dialogos: ongoing dialogue sessions centered on education, voting rights, and medical ethics, with an emphasis on advocacy and practical action
- Alabama Legacy Luncheon: honoring Attorney Gray’s work while bringing together supporters to inspire connection and community
- Deborah Gray Scholars Program: mentoring undergraduate students committed to democratic participation, social justice, and community impact, honoring the legacy of Deborah Gray, whose work preserved civil rights history and empowered future generations
- Fellows Program: engaging select scholars and practitioners who apply their expertise to shape and implement the Institute’s work
- Partner Program: sustaining the Center’s long‑term initiatives and continuing the legacy of Attorney Fred Gray
“Over the past two years, the rapid growth of the Fred Gray Institute has been driven in large part by David’s ability to build strategic relationships, foster authentic collaboration, and marshal resources at an unprecedented level. He has leveraged his passion for justice, experience in organizing major events, and talent for inspiring broad support for the cause of civil and human rights,” shared Board Member Cal Walker.
Dr. Fleer’s elevation reflects both the momentum the Center has built and the opportunity ahead. With his leadership, we will continue to educate, convene, and collaborate to advance justice, strengthen democratic participation, and carry forward the legacy of Attorney Fred D. Gray—including the work of regional rejuvenation and building toward a robust Tuskegee History Center.
For more information about the Tuskegee Human & Civil Rights Multicultural Center please see www.fredgrayinstitute.org.