Robert L. “Bob” Woodson Sr., Influential Civil Rights Leader and Founder of the Woodson Center, Dies at 89
Robert L. “Bob” Woodson Sr., the nationally recognized civil rights leader, author, policy advocate, and founder of the Woodson Center, died peacefully in his sleep on May 19, 2026, at the age of 89, according to a statement released by the Woodson Center. Related: (Video) Woodson Center Founder on Meaningful Grassroots Leadership Announcing the loss of its founder and president, the organization described Woodson as a transformational figure whose work reshaped conversations about poverty, race, community empowerment, and social reform for more than six decades. “Bob Woodson was more than the founder of an organization,” the Woodson Center said in its statement . “He was a visionary and civil rights leader whose life transformed countless communities from the inside out.” The organization said Woodson’s life's work was guided by a steadfast belief that those closest to society’s challenges are often best equipped to solve them. That philosophy became the f...
