Preserving and amplifying the historical legacy of William & Ellen Craft
Executive Board Members
Rani Craft Robinson
CO-Founder & President
Rani Craft Robinson is the Co-founder and President of the William and Ellen Craft Foundation, bringing over 20 years of experience in the television and film industry, where she has developed and produced impactful, multi-platform content. She is also the Co-founder and Executive Producer of Heard & Scene Entertainment, a show development and production company dedicated to elevating Black narratives that shape culture. Drawing inspiration from her third great-grandparents, William and Ellen Craft, Rani is committed to preserving their legacy through WECF’s initiatives, ensuring the continued amplification and protection of Black history. In addition, she serves on the Board of Creatives for 100Cameras, a nonprofit organization that empowers youth globally through photography, fostering self-expression and community engagement.
Lalou Dammond
Co-Founder and Vice President
Lalou Dammond, Co-founder and Vice President of the William and Ellen Craft Foundation, brings a background in film and advertising to her leadership role. A dedicated advocate for education, civil rights, and social justice, she is passionate about uncovering and sharing untold stories of Black American history through WECF’s initiatives. In addition to her work with the foundation, she leads the Craftwork Collaborative Mentorship Program, supporting young creatives in the film industry. Lalou’s commitment to storytelling and advocacy helps further WECF’s mission of preserving and amplifying Black history.
Stephanie Craft Perry
Co-Founder and Secretary
Stephanie Craft Perry, Co-founder and Secretary of the William and Ellen Craft Foundation, is a proud fourth-generation descendant of William and Ellen Craft. Passionate about preserving her ancestors' legacy, she plays a vital role in advancing WECF’s mission. She also serves on the advisory board of the Getting Word African American Oral History Project at the Thomas Jefferson Foundation. Committed to financial wellness education, Stephanie strives to help families build financial security and generational wealth.
John E. Sampson III
Treasurer
John E. Sampson III, Treasurer of the William and Ellen Craft Foundation, is a seasoned finance executive with a background in business and accounting. A graduate of the University of Southern California’s school of business, he began his career as a certified public accountant with Coopers & Lybrand, later serving as an audit manager for clients across entertainment, technology, banking, and nonprofit sectors. He has held senior management roles as Director of Audit for North & Latin Americas at EMI Music and as CFO for divisions of Warner Music, The Walt Disney Company, and boutique film advertising firms. Committed to philanthropy, Sampson has served on multiple nonprofit boards, including The Justin Carr Wants World Peace Foundation and the USC Alumni Board of Governors.
Board Members
Michael Lyde
Board Member
Dr. Michael Lyde, a Board Member of the William and Ellen Craft Foundation (WECF), is an organizational development consultant, author, and speaker committed to justice, freedom, and the intergenerational passage of knowledge—values that closely align with WECF’s mission. He specializes in guiding organizations to articulate and operate in alignment with a clear vision rooted in their core values and mission. Dr. Lyde has also served on the boards of multiple community-based organizations, contributing to initiatives in mental health, education, spiritual development, public safety, and housing. His expertise and dedication help advance WECF’s mission of preserving and amplifying Black history.
Carly Freeman
Board Member
Carly Freeman serves as a Board Member of the William and Ellen Craft Foundation (WECF), contributing her expertise in compliance and corporate governance. With a legal background in the media industry and nonprofit sector, she previously served as Senior Paralegal for the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Carly played a key role in developing WECF’s operating documents, establishing a strong foundation for the organization’s mission. She continues to collaborate closely with the Board, providing strategic guidance and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements to support the foundation’s ongoing initiatives.
J.M. Morris
Board Member
J.M. Morris serves as a Board Member of the William and Ellen Craft Foundation (WECF), bringing her passion for education, equity, and empowerment to amplify the Crafts' legacy. A former King Center National Scholars Intern for Coretta Scott King, she has served on boards such as USC’s Alumni Association Board of Governors and LA County Human Relations Commission’s Media Image Coalition Board. Transitioning from entertainment law to the creative industry, Morris has worked as a WGA member writer, producer, and consultant across TV, film, stage, and digital media, with credits including Real Husbands of Hollywood and America I AM: The African American Imprint. She also serves as a judge for the Humanitas Prize and a reviewer for Disney Entertainment Television’s Writers Program.