James Herman Robinson
James Herman Robinson (January 24, 1907 – November 6, 1972) was an African-American clergyman and humanitarian, best known as the founder of Operation Crossroads Africa (OCA), a cross-cultural exchange program considered a forerunner of the Peace Corps.[3] In 1951, the Presbyterian Board of Foreign Missions sent Robinson on a tour of Europe, the Middle East, and Asia to visit missionaries and to determine potential support for the church in those parts of the world.[1][3] He made a similar tour of Africa in 1954, and suggested the church focus on practical aid for the continent, namely by sending doctors, engineers and other professionals, rather than missionaries.[3] He discussed his travels and his plans to provide aid for Africa at the Lyman Beecher Lectures at Yale in 1955,[1] and gained the support of noted individuals such as William O. Douglas and Theodore Hesburgh, as well as African leaders such as Nnamdi Azikiwe, Akiki Nyabongo, and Kingsley Mbadiwe.[3] Robinson's efforts coalesced in 1958 with the establishment of Operation Crossroads Africa, which aimed to provide volunteer opportunities for students and professionals to help build infrastructure and improve education in impoverished African communities.[1] Upon the establishment of the Peace Corps in 1961, President John F. Kennedy and Sargent Shriver, recognizing Robinson's work with OCA, sought his advice on organizing aid efforts in developing nations.