Bob was a towering and forceful leader. He chose not to exploit his fame. You might say that Bob was the most famous person that no one had heard of. Yet presidents knew him as did the conservative media. He was often on Fox News as a counterweight to more famous folk like Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson. Although he has been recognized with a MacArthur ‘Genius’ Fellowship, a Presidential Citizens Medal and other awards, Bob never sought publicity. Instead he sought results.
Bob was a different civil rights icon, loved and admired by those who were touched by him. Why wasn’t he better known? He chose not to and let his good works speak instead. Bob said that black folk were victims only if they allowed themselves to be so. Bob was an inspiration. Bob’s approach was one of self-help. He described the function of the Woodson Center as to rejuvenate indigenous civil society in impoverished neighborhoods.

Bob was a Korean War veteran and his father served with the famed Harlem Hellfighters in World War I. Bob’s father died when he was only 9 but credits growing up in a strong community with strong values. I guess it really does take a village.

With Bob’s passing the Woodson Center will carry on his good works, doing great things in a quiet manner that gets things done. But Bob will be missed.

May he rest in peace.