(LEX 18) — Porter G. Peeples, a civil servant and former president of the Urban League of Lexington, died Tuesday, 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. He was 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."
