John Jacob to retire from the National Urban League

Jet, Oct 18, 1993

After leading one of the nation's most prominent and second oldest civil rights organizations for more than a decade, John E. Jacob recently announced his retirement.

"I have contemplated this step for some time. I began discussing it with the leadership of our Board of Trustees about 2 1/2 years ago," revealed Jacob.

The Urban League's Board of Trustees has formed a search committee to select a replacement. Until the committee makes its determination, the 58-year-old Jacob will continue to serve as president and CEO of the league as he has for the last 12 years.

Jacob, who is a graduate of Howard University and has worked for the organization for nearly 30 years, started out in 1965 with the Washington Urban League as a staff member.

"John is one of America's outstanding and most creative leaders," said Reginald K. Brack, Jr., board chairman. "He has provided the league with a clear vision, administration and skillful advocacy throughout one difficult decade and the start of another."

Among Jacob's achievements during his service to the league have been 1) redefining the organization's mission to stress education and career development, 2) employment and skills training, 3) enlarging the focus of the league's advocacy to emphasize greater reliance on the Black community to find solutions to its own problems, and 4) a permanent development fund for the league.