National Urban League Mourns the Passing of U.S. Rep Sylvester Turner
NATIONAL AND HOUSTON AREA URBAN LEAGUE LEADERS MOURN THE PASSING OF U.S. REP. AND FORMER MAYOR SYLVESTER TURNER
HOUSTON and NEW YORK (March 5, 2025) — National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial and Houston Area Urban League President and CEO Judson W. Robinson III issued the following statement upon the passing of U.S. Rep. Sylvester Turner, the former mayor of Houston.
"Congressman Turner was a public servant of the highest order, whose deep love for his community and commitment to his constituents guided his every decision. For four decades, he set the standard for integrity, decency, and resolve, not just for Texas but the nation at large. We will miss him as a friend and fellow advocate on all things that made our friendship and our communities stronger.
"He was a mentor and a role model to a generation of elected officials for whom he blazed a trail, and an inspiration to activists and advocates for vulnerable and marginalized people.
"He was instrumental in bringing the 2023 National Urban League Conference to Houston — refusing to be steered off course after a global pandemic cancelled plans for 2020 — and in convening a historic roundtable of the Black mayors of the nation's four largest cities. We were proud to honor his exemplary service with the President's Award at the Whitney M. Young Gala.
"His passing is a profound loss for Houston and the Urban League community. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and the many colleagues who held him in the highest esteem."