Community mourns loss of Howard Bailey

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – The community is mourning the loss of Howard Bailey, who left a legacy that extended to multiple parts of the local area.

According to the Bowling Green-Warren County NAACP, Bailey was the organization’s former vice president, a Silver Life Member and a “beloved community pillar.”

The organization further stated:

“Anyone who had the privilege of knowing Howard, most affectionately referred to as ‘HB’, or building a relationship with him knew that he was unapologetically Howard – blunt, forthcoming and direct about who he was, what he believed and what he expected of those around him. He cared deeply about our community, our culture and our collective responsibility toward development and growth. He leaves behind a legacy of service, conviction and a willingness to speak his mind when he believed something needed to be said. His presence within our branch and throughout the community will be deeply missed. Final arrangements are pending. Please keep his family in your prayers. In moments like this, we are reminded that sometimes prayer is the only source of strength we can lean on. Let us surround the Bailey family, friends and community with love, grace and continued prayer as we navigate this tremendous loss.”

According to Western Kentucky University’s website, Bailey “spent his life opening doors of opportunity and blazing a trail for civil rights and race relations in higher education.”

The university further states Bailey was the first person in his family to “attend a predominately white university” when he became a student at WKU.

According to the university, Bailey was the founding member of Kappa Alpha Psi, the first Black fraternity at WKU, and served as the first Black male residence hall assistant. Bailey received his bachelor of arts degree in 1971 and earned a master of arts degree in 1973, WKU states.

Over the next 40 years, WKU says Bailey would go on to serve as assistant dean of student affairs, dean of student life and associate vice president and vice president of student affairs.

Bailey is additionally named in the WKU Hall of Distinguished Alumni for the Class of 2021.

“Bailey has always believed in the power of education to change lives, particularly the lives of Black students. Beyond his professional role, Bailey has been a mentor and friend to countless students and young professionals,” WKU states on its website.

Arrangements have not yet been publicly released at this time.