Acclaimed Filmmaker Gerald Barclay Named 2026 LEDI International Life Changer Award Honoree

ATLANTA - Sept. 20, 2026 - PRLog -- Acclaimed filmmaker Gerald "Gee-Bee" Barclay will be honored at the 11th Annual LEDI International Life Changers Awards and Fundraising Gala, themed "We Are The Light," on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at 5:30 PM at the Atlanta Airport Marriott Gateway Hotel hosted by Honorary Co-Chairs Ambassador Andrew J. Young, former U.S. Ambassador to the UN and civil rights icon, and Virginia W. Harris, National President of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc.

A producer, director and author, Gerald K. Barclay has spent decades capturing stories of resilience, culture, and human strength on the global stage. A pioneering figure in American entertainment, Gee-Bee was at the epicenter of East Coast hip-hop's rise, directing iconic music videos for the Wu-Tang Clan and Master P's No Limit Films (including hit videos like "It Ain't My Fault" and "Hootie Hoo"). In 2016, he authored his memoir, Shooting the Clan: Eyewitness to the Rise of The Wu-Tang Clan, offering a firsthand account of his 30-year journey with the legendary group.

Beyond his impact on American pop culture, the Liberian-born documentarian has dedicated much of his career to telling powerful West African stories. His landmark documentary, Liberia: The Love of Liberty Brought Us Here (2005), captured the tragic aftermath of Liberia's civil conflict, followed by Liberia Will Rise (2016), documenting the nation's fight against the Ebola crisis. His recent feature films include the award-winning No, Not Me! (2024), addressing social issues in West Africa, and his touring project, The Assassination of President William R. Tolbert. Off camera, Barclay actively empowers youth through the Love of Liberty Foundation, supporting children across both the United States and Liberia.

"Gerald Barclay's ability to capture history and hope through film has given voice to communities across the globe, particularly uplifting youth in the U.S. and Liberia, which is the very essence of a LEDI International Life Changer," said Rufus Darkortey, Co-Founder and President of LEDI.

Barclay will be honored alongside a distinguished slate of fellow 2026 LEDI International Life Changer Award recipients:

• Charletta Wilson Jacks: International President & CEO, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.®
• Donna W. Hyland: Former Chief Executive Officer, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta
• Sean "The Science Kid" Atitsogbe: Prodigy & STEM Educator

Proceeds from the black-tie, red-carpet event will advance LEDI's dual-nation literacy, technology, healthcare, and economic development projects in the U.S. and Liberia, including the construction of LEDI's modern, state-of-the-art public Library and Technology Center in Liberia.

Secure Your Spot Today

For more information about the 11th Annual International Life Changers Awards and Fundraising Gala, tickets, corporate sponsorship opportunities, and program book advertising, visit www.ledifundraiser.org or email info@ledinow.org.

About LEDI

Founded in 2007, the Liberia Economic Development Initiative (LEDI) is a U.S.-based international nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing poverty, empowering communities, and transforming lives—one child at a time, one book at a time, one library at a time. Learn more at www.ledinow.org.