> National Builder Awards The Nation Builder Awards were established to recognize those African Americans who have distinguished themselves through lifelong service and dedication to the enfranchisement and inclusion of Americans of African descent into the national body of politics. In 1995, the Nation Builder Awards Ceremony was renamed to honor the late David P. Richardson, Jr. (1948-95), a 23-year member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and NBCSL's third president. NBCSL is proud to honor this year's Nation Builder Recipients who have all made significant contributions to, and laid the foundation for the political, economic and social progress of African Americans. 2005 National Recipients Linda Cropp Visionary Leader 2004 National Recipients Norman Hill Labor Leader & Civil Rights Activist Salome Thomas -El Educator & Mentor View Previous Recipients