Junius A. Bowman, who died Feb. 26, served as president of the Phoenix Urban League from 1962 to 1992.

Junius Bowman, former president of the Phoenix Urban League. (Photo courtesy Greater Phoenix Urban League)

When he took over the agency there were three employees. Today more than 50 employees work at the Greater Phoenix Urban League serving African-American and Hispanic communities.

He contributed to the League's strong commitment as an Equal Opportunity Employer. With the help of Congrassman John Rhodes and Senator Barry Goldwater, a 1981 housing development for handicapped and elderly people became a national model for HUD housing. Bowman was also instrumental in a 1982 partnership with IBM to train economically disadvantaged clients.

by building a national model for HUD housing in 1981 for handicapped and elderly people with the help of Congressman John Rhodes and Senator Barry Goldwater as well as a partnership in 1982 with IBM to train economically disadvantaged clients

Bowman was a graduate of Tuskegee University and held a Master's degree from Michigan State University. He was a veteran of WWII having served with the U.S. Army Air Force.

A celebration for a life well lived will be held at 10 a.m. on March 31at First United Methodist Church, 5510 N. Central Ave. in Phoenix. A reception at the church will follow the service.