Update: May 2 at 11:15 a.m.
New details have been released to the public about the future of the Urban League of Lexington-Fayette County following the death of its president and CEO, Porter G. (P.G.) Peeples on Tuesday, April 28.
The Urban League has announced that Annissa M. Franklin will be stepping in as the interim president and CEO of the organization. Franklin is the current vice president and has served with the Urban League for 25 years, according to a Saturday press release.
"With P.G.’s leadership, support, and guidance, I have grown both personally and professionally within the Urban League Movement for social justice. I am honored to serve as interim President/CEO,” Franklin said.
The press release also details the celebration of life services organized in Peeples' honor.
His visitation and funeral will be held at the First Baptist Church of Bracktown in Lexington (3016 Bracktown Road) on Monday, May 18. His visitation is scheduled from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. His funeral is scheduled directly after the visitation service.
For those interested in giving back, Peeples' family has asked attendees to donate to the Urban League as opposed to sending flowers. Tax deductible donations can be sent to 148 Deweese Street in Lexington, or online at this link.
Original story:
Porter G. Peeples, a civil servant and president of the Urban League of Lexington, died Tuesday at the age of 80 years old, according to the Urban League of Lexington-Fayette County.
According to The HistoryMakers website, Peeples was born on Oct. 29, 1945, and raised in Lynch, Kentucky. In his youth, he attended public schools financially backed by U.S. Steel, the corporation that owned the area's mines.
Before enrolling at the University of Kentucky, Peeples spent several summers in New York City working and living with relatives, and attended Hazard Community College. He was one of only about 50 African American students when he enrolled at the University of Kentucky, the website read.
Peeples became the director of education for the Urban League in Lexington and soon became the director of the local chapter. At the age of 23, he became the youngest person to hold this position in the United States, according to the website.
Peeples championed many causes as an advocate for the disadvantaged of Lexington. Under his guidance, the Lexington Urban League made its mark with programs for clerical training, open housing, community development, training in penal institutions, and the operation of a community radio station.
He also served as the chairman for the Equity Commission monitoring the Fayette County Schools and was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Kentucky Housing Corporation.
Coach John Calipari posted his condolences on social media:
"My friend and mentor from Lexington, PG Peoples, passed away yesterday. He leaves a legacy of bringing people together to move ALL forward. He was the President of the Urban League of Lexington and was one of the first people I met with. His accomplishments are too many to mention but the impact he had on people both young and old is amazing. He helped me build a program that brought people together and reached out to help people throughout the state. We had continued to talk weekly including yesterday morning. WE LOST A SPECIAL PERSON YESTERDAY. My prayers to Wilma and the family."
Mayor Linda Gorton issued the following statement:
“P.G. Peeples fought to make Lexington a better place for over five decades through the Urban League,” Mayor Linda Gorton said. “It was an honor to work with him to improve education, job training, housing and more. We began a long friendship when we served together on the very first FCPS Equity Council. I loved him dearly! Our city is a better place because of his strong leadership.”
Governor Andy Beshear also released a statement on social media, calling Peeples a "civil rights champion."
"Kentucky has lost a true leader with the passing of P.G. Peeples, a civil rights champion who led the Lexington Urban League for five decades and transformed communities across Kentucky and beyond. He championed civil rights, education, affordable housing and more and made an undeniable difference in the lives of many. This is a great loss, but his impact will be felt for generations. Britainy and I are praying for his family during this difficult time."
President of the University of Kentucky Eli Capilouto highlighted Peeples' accomplishment and his love for the community in a statement provided to LEX 18.
“In my first weeks at UK 15 years ago, PG Peeples took me on a tour of housing developments in Lexington that he and his team at the Urban League helped make possible. I was struck then by his deep commitment to building foundations of hope through the development of housing opportunities for people in our community who lacked access. That was a commitment PG had throughout his entire life — from his time as a young student at UK through decades of leadership and service at the Urban League."
Commerce Lexington's Chief Communications Officer, Mark E. Turner, has provided a statement to the public on behalf of Commerce Lexington regarding Peeples's death, noting his participation and impact in the development of the City of Lexington.
“Our entire Commerce Lexington family is saddened by the passing of trailblazing community leader P.G. Peeples, Sr.
From the time he graduated from the University of Kentucky in the mid-1960’s to his 50-plus years as president of the local Urban League chapter, P.G. has been a champion in so many areas, such as education, housing, and community development.
He was a founding member of Fayette County Public Schools’ Equity Council and served on the Commerce Lexington Board of Directors from 2004 to 2023.
In whatever capacity he served, he challenged our organization and the community to work harder to ensure that all segments of our city had the opportunity to prosper. Simply put, his work changed lives and made Lexington a far better place to live and work. We will miss him greatly.”
The Lexington Police Department has released a statement, claiming that Peeples made the City of Lexington a better place.
"We were deeply saddened to learn about the passing of P.G. Peeples. Mr. Peeples was a wonderful supporter and friend of Public Safety.
He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Mr. Peeples dedicated his life to our community and worked to make it a better place for everyone. We are honored to have worked with him over the years.
We are keeping him and his family in our thoughts and prayers."
Sen. Amanda Mays Bledsoe also released a statement following Peeples' death.
“I saw PG just a few weeks ago. His smile and that warm, unmistakable hug felt like it always did: genuine, steady, and full of the love he carried for God and for the people in his life.
“Over the last dozen years, I’ve come to deeply value our conversations. They weren’t always easy, and we didn’t always see the world the same way. But they were always honest, always thoughtful, and always rooted in a shared commitment to doing what was best for Lexington. That mutual respect meant a great deal to me, and it’s something I will carry forward.
“PG Peeples was a giant in our community and far beyond. His leadership shaped not only institutions but lives, opening doors, creating opportunities, and pushing all of us to be better. His impact will be felt for generations in ways both seen and unseen.
“For me, this loss is personal. I will miss his wisdom, his candor, and his unwavering belief in people.
“Lexington is better because of PG. And we are all better for having known him.”
