Two years ago, billionaire Robert L. Johnson was inspired by a call to action from Liberia’s president to increase investments in her country. Earlier this week, the chairman of RLJ Companies announced the grand opening of his latest venture — a luxury resort in Monrovia, Liberia.

Johnson expects his RLJ Kendeja Resort & Villas to play a critical role in economic development efforts led by the Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.

“I believe passionately that African Americans have a responsibility to support Liberia and it is important to ensure that President Sirleaf succeeds in her ongoing effort in rebuilding the country,” Johnson said.

Located on 13-acres of oceanfront property, the 76-room, villa-style hotel features an on-site restaurant and a full-service spa, among other amenities. Rooms start at $220 per night.

Johnson said this project, which is valued upwards of $8 million, will help lay the foundation for advocacy efforts in the United States, on Liberia’s behalf. The resort is part of a larger commitment to Africa under the RLJ Liberia Enterprise Development Finance Co.

“This is the first steps to strengthen and broaden the ongoing business relationship between Africa and the United States,” said Johnson, who also owns RLJ Development LLC, (No. 8 on the BE Industrial/Service list with $605.2 million in revenue), and also founded Black Entertainment Television. RLJ Development was not involved with developing the resort.

Just this week, Delta Air Lines launched weekly service between Monrovia’s Roberts International Airport, which is the nearest airport, and New York City.

- Renita Burns

George C. Wolfe Takes Design from the Apple to the Peach

Tony-Award winning director George C. Wolfe will be leaving Broadway to work as the new chief creative officer at the Center for Civil & Human Rights (CCHR) in Atlanta.

“It’s amazing to be a part of an organization which is going to be located in Atlanta, yet by virtue of it’s subject matter and vision, is connected to the entire world,” said Wolfe in a press release.

Wolfe will oversee the creation of design concepts and themes for the center, He will work closely with the center’s architectural team, the Freelon Group, a black-owned architectural firm and other designers, on the $125 million, 100,000 square foot center.

Known for directing several Broadway gems including the Tony Award-winning “Bring in ‘Da Noise, Bring in ‘Da Funk,” he also earned the directors Guild Award, four NAACP Image Awards, and seven Emmy Award nominations for the movie “Lackawanna Blues.”

The CCHR, which is slated to open in Atlanta in 2012, is projected to have 800,000 visitors in its first year and generate $1.3 billion in economic impact for Atlanta over the course of its first 10 years in operation.

- Marcia A. Wade