National Urban League Mourns Passing of "Transformative" Former Chair John D. Hofmeister

NEW YORK (May 31, 2021) – National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial issued the following statement in response to the death of longtime Board of Trustees member and former Chair John D. Hofmeister:

“The entire Urban League Movement is heartbroken at the loss of our colleague, mentor and friend.  We offer our deepest condolences to his wife, Karen, and to their children and grandchildren.

“As Chair of the National Urban League Board of Trustees from 2006 to 2014, John was a transformative leader who oversaw the League’s Centennial ‘I Am Empowered’ digital initiative and guided the league into a new era of 21st Century civil rights and advocacy leadership.

“As Chair of the Board’s Building Committee, he was instrumental in the conception and development of the Urban League Empowerment Center, currently under construction on 125th Street in Harlem, which will serve as the National Urban League’s new headquarters and a cultural and advocacy hub.

“He also served as Chair of the Affiliate Services Committee, where he played a role in expanding the reach of our 91 affiliates and streamlining operations for enhanced efficiency and effectiveness.

“He was an unmatched champion of civil rights, economic justice and corporate responsibility.  He leaves a profound legacy of accomplishment and integrity that will shape our movement for generations to come.”