Arthur Leslie, Jr. - Forever in Our HeART

Art Leslie was born on August 7, 1949, in Huntsville, Alabama, and lived in the Binford Court housing project. In the mid-1950’s, his family moved to Flint, Michigan, where Art graduated from high school in the top 10% of his class. Art attended the University of Michigan, where he played football as a running back, wearing #21 jersey.

Later at Michigan Christian College, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business. After college, Art moved to New York City where he worked with kids and their families as part of an inner-city ministry, a calling he would return to years later. Following his time in New York, Art began a long and highly successful career in retail sales, rising through the management ranks for Sears, Circuit City, and Verizon, in locations across the United States.

Returning to Huntsville, Art became involved with the Inner City Church of Christ Program. In 2005, he founded the Huntsville Inner City Learning Center (HICLC), initially located in the church building. In 2008, HICLC became an after-school program at Stone Middle School. Upon the closure of Stone Middle School, HICLC moved to Westlawn Middle School and eventually occupied an entire wing in Butler High School.

In 2012, Art moved HICLC to its current location adjacent to the Butler Terrace housing development. Under his leadership as HICLC Founder and Executive Director, Art touched the lives of thousands of children and their families through an innovative after-school tutoring program and summer camp designed to introduce children to God. Art’s primary goal was for every child to know they were valued and loved by God. He established programs focusing on Biblical teaching, mentorship, and academic support. By partnering with schools, families, and our community, students learned how to become lifelong learners, responsible citizens, and high school graduates.

“Mr. Art” was a father figure, mentor, disciplinarian, Bible teacher, athletic coach, prankster, and best friend to many. People of all ages, races, and socioeconomic status identified with him. He was not a proud man; no menial task was beneath his dignity. Art loved to give hugs and was gracious with compliments. His laugh was infectious and his love boundless for his devoted board members and staff, committed volunteers, and generous donors. We all joined along side with Art, “sitting on the front row and watching God work!”

Art was a man of incredible faith who loved the Lord. He depended completely on God’s provision and trusted His plan. As a gifted teacher and visionary leader, Art left a big spiritual footprint on our community. He taught us how to live for God and for others. Let us not waste one day, but live like we are on a special mission, for indeed, we are God’s hands and feet and voice on earth, for such a short period of time.

Art cherished his four adult daughters, grandchildren, and siblings. His legacy will live on for generations to come. Art Leslie passed from this life to be with his Lord and Savior on November 2, 2019, at 70 years young. His is a remarkable journey when you consider Art worked so hard to leave the housing projects as a child, only to choose as an adult to return to the same area, to teach children about the love of God.

It was during a personal crisis when Art heard God speak to him through the Scripture verse, Matthew 6:33,

“Seek first the kingdom of God, and all these things will be added to you.”

In Art’s vernacular, “you take care of My (God’s) business, and I (God) will take care of yours.”

Thank you, Art, for taking care of God’s business. You are greatly loved and will be greatly missed. May God continue to take care of the beloved children of HICLC.