In Remembrance of Aaron Thomas
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Aaron Thomas, a beloved and longtime Urban Leaguer, on April 4, 2020. Aaron was a friend, mentor, son, father, grandfather, colleague, and so much more. He will be remembered as someone who led a life filled with kindness, passion, and honor.
Aaron was the Senior Director of Health & Quality of Life in the National Urban League (NUL) Programs Department but his contributions to the movement stretch back at least 20 years. He was instrumental in the development of our Urban Youth Empowerment Program as well as Saving Our Sons, Project Ready, and Project Wellness. As a youth development specialist, Aaron worked with colleagues to develop the Youth Extravaganza; Urban Voices; Fun and Fitness; and the Ready, Set, Show Me Youth Entrepreneurship Competition.
As a leader, Aaron had an impressive and diverse track record, serving as Co- Chair on the Urban League’s Commission on the Black Male, the Managers Affinity Group Champion, and as the Urban League’s Centennial Employee Engagement co-lead. He served on countless committees and was asked to lead several organizational efforts, including the planning for the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington.
Aaron received awards from in and outside of NUL for his efforts and achievements, including the Urban League of Rochester, the Urban League of Greater Miami, the Urban League of Louisville Urban League, and the Indianapolis Urban League. At NUL, Aaron earned the Core Competency Award in 1997, the Legatee Award in 2003, and the Anne Tanneyhill Award in 2011 for exceptional commitment and dedication to the League.
In addition to his professional and service achievements, his personal contributions are also unforgettable. Below are just some of the memories and reflections we gathered from colleagues who hold him dearly. Join us in remembering his immense legacy and praying for his family and loved ones.
May he rest in peace.
The world lost an awesome person and champion of hope. Heaven gained a ferocious warrior and earth angel — who will continue to fight for us and watch over all of us
I will always remember AT. When I look up at the stars, it will be easy to see AT, for he will be the Beacon of Light shining ever so brightly. God Bless you AT, and Rest In Peace! A BIG HUG AND SHOUT OUT TO YOU, MY BIG BROTHER!
— Vanessa Watson
“Every morning, Mr. Aaron, as I called him, would come by our desks and say good morning and then went into a wonderful hilarious story about the news of the day. I miss his wonderful sense of humor.”
— Isabelle Verdini
Aaron Thomas was deeply and committed to a life of service and specifically a life of service to young people. He was a born youth worker. That isn’t to say that he never worked at it. He worked very hard to stay informed and to stay connected to youth here in NYC and across the nation, always wanting to learn more and share more about how to do that work well. Over the past few days, many colleagues have reached out to share how much they will miss him, how deeply they feel this loss and how much he meant to them and to the Movement. He will be truly missed, but his legacy and impact will remain for generations of people in our community and across the Movement.
— Hal Smith
“I had the pleasure of working with Aaron at the National Action Network Thanksgiving luncheon in 2018. Aaron organized our participation and ensured that we were all introduced and ingratiated to the other volunteers. Aaron ensured that we each had a role and were a part of the volunteer family. We all worked well together that day and it made the work fun and we kept our spirits high as we served the community. It was acts like these that really exemplified Aaron’s spirit. Always a kind word. Always inviting. Always up for a good conversation.”
— Adenike Huggins
“Aaron Thomas was a champion among champions. His love, passion, compassion & commitment to those he worked with & for the Urban League movement were second to none. He was a gentle giant whose spirit will live on in our hearts forever.”
— Rhonda Spears Bell
Aaron Thomas or AT, as we loved to call him, was a gentle soul and a sweet spirit. I remember the BBQs and 2017 Annual Conference Volunteer Zone moments. AT was always the first one to the location to make sure that the best spot was reserved for the BBQs. He also was the one to orchestrate everyone’s role and responsibility. He loved when folks would get together and have fun. He did not only do this with his friends from the various Organizations that he was associated with but with his family as well. I fondly remember attending his family’s BBQ in a park in Manhattan.
I also remember AT volunteering at the Volunteer Zone in 2017 in St. Louis where he brought Mason Morial and his friends every day for about 3 hours and sometimes twice in one day. AT will always be remembered as a loving, fun-spirited with great conversation. He had a way of reeling you in when he told a story. AT will be deeply missed. Love you forever, Man.
— Denise Lee
“AT was a colleague, a friend a mentor and the truest Urban Leaguer I knew. He was incomparable and selfless. We had countless conversations about life. Whether I listened for an hour or just a minute, I never walked away from any conversation without learning something new. When I needed a letter of recommendation for grad school, he wrote me a stellar one, describing me better than I could describe myself. When I needed volunteers for a project, he was readily available, providing not only his time but his expertise and nuggets of wisdom. In one my very last conversation with AT (which was just a few weeks ago), he said “Sabrina, me and the guys need to make a date to take your son fishing so we could show him the ocean”. Unfortunately that day never came. Although, I’m saddened by his death, the memories I have of AT will never be forgotten; they are eternally engraved. “To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people simply exist”. AT, thank you for living!”
— Sabrina Charles
“Aaron Thomas was an exceptional person that encouraged us all to be in service. He will be missed.”
— Flo Washington
