Together, we can

THE GUS NEWPORT PROJECT

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Our Approach

The recent passing of legends like Congressman John Lewis and civil rights leader C.T. Vivian
has taught us the importance of preserving stories, especially now to power our current
movements.

The Gus Newport Project aims to learn from and share the teachings of an American treasure, Eugene “Gus” Newport, who has served in multiple social change roles, including elected official, academic, organizer, and thought leader. Through an oral history project/memoir, documentary, interactive archive and public programs, the project will capture Gus’ unique contributions to numerous social movements and carry his legacy forward as a resource for future generations of students, educators, activists, and leaders.

Gus Newport may not be a household name, but he is well known to cultural icons and political leaders who share his commitment to justice; he has forged lasting friendships with Danny Glover, Harry Belafonte, Bernie Sanders, and many others who depend on his frank assessment of political issues and regularly invite him to join them in shared causes.

Gus Newport is a tireless advocate for justice and human rights. Activists and politicians addressing issues from criminal justice to fair elections and equitable community development regularly seek his counsel. In his late 80's, in his signature wool cap and overcoat, he is frequently on the road, traveling to campaign rallies, boardroom meetings, and negotiations, where his hosts rely on him to offer bold ideas and opinions delivered in a warm and playful but uncompromising manner.

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What we do

We engage in Beloved Community Storytelling with the hope of not only continuing to learn valuable insights and lessons about Gus's journey but to also create a platform to curate and share the journey of others who have worked and are working to make our world a better place.
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We Listen

We Learn

We Share

We Grow

In 2020, friends gathered virtually to celebrate Gus' 85th birthday. Out of that grew a regular meeting of friends who have recorded more than 30 conversations with Gus and important figures in his life, exploring his history and his ideas about the Beloved Community.

Our Team & Advisors
Community development finance consultant. Co-Founder of Tempo Novus.
Roy Alston
Ph.D., Director, Great Cities Institute and Professor, Urban Planning and Policy at the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Dr. Teresa CórdovaPh.D., Director
Damien Durr president of GNP Project & DCD Empowerment and former consultant for the Children's Defense Fund.
Damien DurrDamien Durr president of GNP Project & DCD Empowerment
Wife of Gus Newport and low-income housing consultant.
Kathryn Kasch
Documentary filmmaker (Come Hell or High Water: The Battle for Turkey Creek, Holding Ground: The Rebirth of Dudley Street, Sweet Old Song).
Leah Mahan
Executive Director of South Asian Americans Leading Together.
Lakshmi Sridaran Executive Director
Academic library services consultant and professor, President of African. American Church Historians and Archivists, and Community literacy activist.
Dr. Janet Walsh
Former Consultant to the Children’s Defense Fund on Nonviolent Organizing and Theological Education.
Rev. Dr. Janet Wolf Consultant
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