Lebanon native and wealthy real estate developer William Elmer Harmon founded the Harmon Foundation in New York in 1922. Originally the new foundation supported the creation of playgrounds throughout the United States, the production of films about biblical subjects, and health care programs. However, it is better known today as the first major foundation supporting African-American creativity and ingenuity.
W.E. Harmon's father was an officer in the 10th Cavalry regiment, a black unit known as the Buffalo Soldiers. Being raised among the soldiers had an impact on the young boy, and formed an accepting attitude toward African-Americans. Later in life, Mr. Harmon was moved after meeting a young African American artist in New York who was unable to sell his paintings because of his race.
With a new focus, the Harmon Foundation began presenting cash awards in 1925 to African-Americans for distinguished achievement in eight fields: fine arts, literature, music, race relations, business, religious service, education, and science. Between 1927 and 1933, the Harmon Foundation was one of the first to give national recognition to the achievements of African-Americans.
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It is best known for its impact on the art of the Harlem Renaissance. Among the many recipients of the awards were; Countee Cullen, Claude McKay, Langston Hughes, James Weldon Johnson, Laura Wheeler Waring, Sargent Johnson, and Walter White.
Hale Woodruff and Palmer Hayden were the very first recipients of the William E. Harmon Foundation award for Distinguished Achievement Among African Americans for the Fine Arts.
The purpose of the awards were to stimulate creative achievement and bring attention to the work being accomplished by African American artists.
The Foundation closed in 1967 and dispersed its considerable art collection to the Smithsonian’s Art Museum and the National Portrait Gallery, and other institutions.

The Harmon Foundation is best known for its impact on the art of the Harlem Renaissance. Among the many recipients of the awards were; Countee Cullen, Claude McKay, Langston Hughes, James Weldon Johnson, Laura Wheeler Waring, Sargent Johnson, and Walter White.
Hale Woodruff and Palmer Hayden were the very first recipients of the William E. Harmon Foundation award for Distinguished Achievement Among African Americans for the Fine Arts.
The purpose of the awards were to stimulate creative achievement and bring attention to the work being accomplished by African American artists.
The Foundation closed in 1967 and dispersed its considerable art collection to the Smithsonian’s Art Museum and the National Portrait Gallery, and other institutions.

- Michael Coyan

For over 60 years, Willis "Bing" Davis has been recognized as one of the premiere interpreters of art and the African-American experience in the United States. Originally from South Carolina, Bing and his family moved to Dayton, Ohio in his youth. His life has been devoted to the creative spirit, the creation of works of art, and art education. Teaching, mentoring and inspiring, Bing is still working to find an outlet for his muse, and his life experiences in many different mediums. The exhibition at the Harmon Museum, which opens August.13, 2021, is the culmination of his being inspired by the catalogs from the Harlem Renaissance exhibitions of African-American artists, performers and writers sponsored by The Harmon Foundation. Funded by real estate mogul, and Lebanon native, William Elmer Harmon, Bing said the inspiring works featured in those exhibitions fueled his desire to embrace art and make it his life's journey.

​To quote Mr. Davis, "At my age, I don't need another exhibition, but I want to do this to honor all Mr. Harmon did for African-American artists in America."