This month, Global Paint for Charity is honored to shine our Donor and Supporter Spotlight on a remarkable leader, visionary, and friend, Mr. Cedric Suzman. His steadfast support, generous contributions, and unwavering advocacy have been instrumental in advancing our mission to bring color, dignity, and hope to underserved communities worldwide. Cedric’s story is one of resilience, leadership, and service, values that resonate deeply with our mission at GPC. From his beginnings in Johannesburg, South Africa, to his impactful work in Atlanta, Georgia, Cedric has lived a life devoted to bridging cultures, fostering understanding, and creating opportunities for others.

Born on September 7, 1938, in Johannesburg, South Africa, Cedric entered a family with deep entrepreneurial roots. His father, Barnett Suzman, was born in Salant, Lithuania, and immigrated with his parents to Johannesburg in the 1880s. Cedric’s grandfather, Lewis Suzman, was the founder of L. Suzman Limited, a respected tobacco wholesale business that the family successfully ran until the 1970s. Tragedy struck in 1949 when Cedric’s father passed away, leaving his mother, Hannah Hanson Suzman, to raise him in South Africa. It was during these formative years that Cedric’s sense of responsibility, independence, and determination began to take shape, qualities that would later define his leadership and philanthropic work.

Cedric pursued an education that reflected his intellectual curiosity and global outlook. He studied engineering at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg and later broadened his expertise with business administration studies in London. His ambitions and academic excellence led him to one of the most prestigious institutions in the world, Harvard Business School, where he earned both his MBA and his doctorate in International Business. It was in Boston that he met Wendy Miller, who would become his wife and life partner. Together, they welcomed their first son, Andrew, before moving back to Johannesburg in 1969.

Back in South Africa, Cedric joined L. Suzman Limited, working alongside family members to grow and sustain the business. During this time, he and Wendy welcomed two more children, Michael and Katherine. In 1974, following the sale of the family business, Cedric and his family returned to the United States and chose Atlanta, Georgia, as their new home. Atlanta’s diverse, dynamic, and globally connected environment proved to be the perfect place for Cedric to continue his career and community engagement.

In Georgia, Cedric first taught at Georgia Tech’s College of Management, sharing his knowledge and inspiring a new generation of leaders. In 1977, he joined forces with Peter White, founder of the Southern Center for International Studies, where he served as vice president for 36 years. His work at the Southern Center, later rebranded as the World Affairs Council of Atlanta, placed him at the forefront of international dialogue, diplomacy, and education. Cedric helped foster cross-cultural understanding, facilitate conversations between world leaders, and expand Atlanta’s role in global affairs. Beyond his professional commitments, Cedric played an active role in the American Jewish Committee and Atlanta’s sister city projects, building bridges of friendship and cooperation between communities across the globe. He and Wendy were also founding members of Congregation Or Hadash, reflecting their shared commitment to faith and service.

Cedric’s decades of work have always been guided by a belief that the world can be improved through cooperation, dialogue, and practical solutions. These same values inspired his partnership with Global Paint for Charity. Over the years, Cedric has supported GPC not only through financial donations and paint contributions but also by serving as a trusted advisor to the executive team and to our founder, Dr. Rony Delgarde. His strategic insight, drawn from years of navigating international partnerships, has helped shape our approach to expansion, partnerships, and cross-cultural engagement.

Cedric’s support for GPC extends far beyond his own giving. He has introduced our mission to his professional network, corporate leaders, and foreign dignitaries, amplifying our message and helping us connect with individuals and organizations that share our vision for a more colorful and sustainable world. He understands that our mission, to recycle surplus paint and deliver it to underserved communities, is about more than just color. It is about restoring dignity, empowering communities, and reducing environmental waste. His advocacy has directly contributed to new partnerships, increased visibility, and greater impact for GPC both in the United States and abroad.

Cedric’s unique background, living on two continents, working in global business and international relations, and engaging deeply in cultural exchange, gives him a rare perspective on the challenges and opportunities of our interconnected world. He recognizes that environmental issues like paint waste require not only local solutions but also international cooperation, and he sees GPC’s work as a model of how to combine sustainability with social good.

For the GPC team, Cedric is more than a supporter; he is a friend, mentor, and inspiration. His humility, warmth, and generosity are matched only by his dedication to making a difference. Whether advising on strategic initiatives, attending our events, or simply checking in with words of encouragement, Cedric has consistently been there for GPC and for Dr. Delgarde personally. Even after the passing of his beloved wife, Wendy, in 2013, Cedric has continued to live with purpose and service, embodying the spirit of resilience that inspires all of us at GPC.

In celebrating Cedric Suzman, we are not only recognizing his generous contributions to GPC but also honoring the legacy of a life devoted to building bridges, between cultures, between people, and between vision and action. His belief in our mission has helped us grow from a local initiative to a global movement, delivering millions of gallons of surplus paint to communities in need. His willingness to use his voice, reputation, and connections on our behalf has opened doors we might never have reached alone.

On behalf of the entire Global Paint for Charity family, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Cedric for his many years of friendship, mentorship, and generosity. His story reminds us that impactful change often begins with one person willing to invest not only resources but also trust, time, and advocacy into a cause they believe in. Thank you, Cedric, for being a beacon of leadership, compassion, and vision. Your commitment to our mission continues to inspire us, and your impact will be felt for generations to come. A life well-lived is one that lifts others, and Cedric, your life and work embody that truth. We are proud to count you among our most valued supporters, and we look forward to continuing this journey together, bringing more color, joy, and dignity to communities across the globe.