Obituary of Robert L. Woodson Sr. (1937-2026)

Robert Leon Woodson Sr., a prominent civil rights leader, was born on April 8, 1937, in Philadelphia. He faced early hardships, including the death of his father and dropping out of high school. At 17, he joined the Air Force, where he earned his GED and confronted racism. After his discharge, he obtained a bachelor's degree in mathematics and a master's in social work, and he dedicated his career to community work, focusing on grassroots solutions to poverty and crime. In 1981, he founded the National Center for Neighborhood Enterprise, later known as the Woodson Center, which supported local initiatives aimed at empowering low-income communities. Woodson was known for his belief in self-reliance and personal responsibility over government intervention. He advised several U.S. presidents and authored multiple books. Woodson passed away on May 30, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of community empowerment and self-development.