Floor SpeechNeutral2026-05-12

HONORING THE LIFE OF PORTER G. PEEPLES

TaxesHousingCivil Rights

Context

On 2026-05-12, Representative Andy Barr (R-KY-6) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE LIFE OF PORTER G. PEEPLES" in the House.

Full Text

HONORING THE LIFE OF PORTER G. PEEPLES

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 80 (Tuesday, May 12, 2026) [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. ____________________

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HONORING THE LIFE OF PORTER G. PEEPLES Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 80 (Tuesday, May 12, 2026) [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. ____________________