Life and Legacy of an Urban League Giant: Remembering Porter "P.G." Peeples
It is with extreme regret and sorrow that we announce the passing of a Giant in the Urban League Movement, Porter G. Peeples, Sr., President and CEO, Urban League of Lexington-Fayette County (KY), on Tuesday afternoon, April 28, 2026, while in his office, “doing the work that he loved.” “I’ve never had a job. I don’t feel like I’ve worked a day in my life I get to go and do what I love doing to help others”, by his own admission. At the time of his passing, he was the sitting Affiliate CEO with the longest tenure as CEO, having just two years ago been recognized for his more than 50 years of service, and of course was an advocate for members of the Quarter Century Club, of which he was a member.
P.G. as he is affectionately known, was appointed in 1972 as the second President and CEO (Executive Director title used until 1977 across the Movement), a position in which he served for fifty-five of his 57 years of service in the Urban League Movement, all at Lexington-Fayette County. In 1971 while serving as a director of education, he was assigned to coordinate with the Secret Service the visitation of President Richard Nixon and other dignitaries at the funeral for Whitney M. Young, Jr., National Urban League President.
During his tenure, in the 1970’s Porter launched programs that addressed education, employment, health, and youth development; formed the Urban League Affiliate Guild with local community constituents; hosted tennis tournaments with the United Kingdom including tennis great Arthur Ashe emphasizing unity and community spirit. In the 1980’s he initiated the housing construction training programs for ex-offenders, launched WTLA Gospel Radio and trained DJ’s to operate the stations; created the Black Adoption Program; created the Fayette County Local Development Corporation (FCLDC) to provide affordable housing assistance for the underserved; and developed two word processing training and computer skills training centers. In the 1990’s the Affiliate’s Housing Development Program was certified to build new homes and major housing initiatives, including Kenton Street and Lima Court were completed, during which time he led restoration of the historic Polk-Dalton Infirmary, transforming it into the Affiliate’s new headquarters; and establishing the Black Managers and Professional Network.
In the 2000’s, under PG’s leadership, the Affiliate exceeded more than $20 million in affordable housing investments, created senior housing, continued to promote youth technology programs, and launched the African American Education Coalition to advocate equity in public education; establishing the Young Professionals Chapter; established One Voice for support of elementary school students; increased minority participation in the Governor’s Scholarship Program; created the MAN UP Fatherhood Program; the Senior Community Service Employment Program; advocating for minority businesses and contractors; and many more , in addition to serving on boards of local organizations.
The accomplishments and achievements of Porter Peeples are too many to include in this writing. It should however be noted that amid all these many successes of this ‘Organizational GIANT’; by choosing to be involved in the work of Affiliate along with staff, he maintained an Outstanding Affiliate status in organizational soundness, vitality, and mission according to National Urban League standards.
P.G. was truly a ‘Giant’ of a man and a legend who left a great legacy in the community he served. Words will never be able to express the deep sorrow and loss of Porter G. Peeples on the Urban League Movement. Please click on the link to view one of his interviews. https://share.google/ykKe9qUQT6rfSwOHe
Porter G, Peeples, Sr.
Please keep his family and loved ones, including the staff of the Urban League of Lexington-Fayette County in your prayers.
His life and work echo the words from 2 Timothy 4:7, cited in one recent Urban League’s statement: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
According to a statement released by the Urban League of Lexington-Fayette County, Peeples “always knew that he would work until his last breath,” a reflection of the life of a servant leader defined by service, persistence, and purpose.
Services and community tributes are as follows;
All Services will take place on Monday May 18, 2026
Monday, May 18, 2026
Visitation: 11:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Funeral Services: 2:00 PM
First Baptist Church of Bracktown
3016 Bracktown Road
Lexington, KY 40511
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making a memorial donation in P.G.’s honor to the Urban League of Lexington-Fayette County to further his life’s work. Tax deductible memorial donations can be sent to:
Urban League of Lexington-Fayette County
148 Deweese Street,
Lexington, KY 40507
or make donate online at www.ullex.org/donate