[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 80 (Tuesday, May 12, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E433]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                 HONORING THE LIFE OF PORTER G. PEEPLES

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. ANDY BARR

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 12, 2026

  Mr. BARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of one of 
Lexington, Kentucky's most influential citizens, Porter G. Peeples. 
Better known as P.G., he was the longtime leader of the Urban League of 
Lexington-Fayette County. He passed away while working in his office on 
April 28, 2026. Peeples is survived by his wife, Wilma, a son and 
daughter, and two grandchildren.
  Peeples was born in Lynch, Kentucky on October 26, 1945, where his 
father was a coal miner. He attended the Lynch Public Colored School 
until desegregation happened his senior year in high school. During his 
life he kept close ties with other African Americans with roots in 
Eastern Kentucky coal towns. The first in his family to go to college, 
Peeples attended South East Community College and transferred to the 
University of Kentucky during his junior year, where he was one of 
around 50 black undergraduates. He was a volunteer with the newly 
formed Urban League. Soon after his graduation in 1968, he took a job 
at the Urban League as Education Director. In 1972 he was named 
Executive Director and worked there until his death.
  The Urban League focused on workforce training, minority business 
support, and mentoring programs for young people. Through Peeples' 
efforts, they began to also work on affordable housing issues. Today 
the Urban League has more than 100 rentals and is a part of a 
partnership developing 12.5 acres dedicated to affordable housing. He 
worked with the Kentucky Housing Corporation to secure low-interest 
loans for buyers and was appointed to its board in the 1980s. He was 
serving on that board at the time of his death.
  Peeples was also a champion for civil rights. He was well-respected 
by the business community, government leaders, and non-profit agencies. 
Peeples excelled at developing and nurturing relationships with people 
throughout the Lexington community. I appreciated his leadership, his 
love for our community, and our conversations about how to improve 
opportunities for the citizens of Lexington.
  P.G. Peeples was a respected leader whose many accomplishments leave 
a lasting legacy on Lexington and the many individuals whose lives were 
influenced by his persistence, his passion, and his selfless, humble 
nature. It is my honor to lift up his life before the U.S. House of 
Representatives.

                          ____________________