Tribute to Lawrence E. Wilbon
Mentor. Visionary. Servant Leader. Builder of Men. (1973–2024)
“He didn’t serve for credit. He served because it was right.” Lawrence E. Wilbon was more than a program director. More than a speaker, mentor, or civic strategist. He was a builder—of men, of systems, of families, of futures.
Over the course of his life and career, Lawrence poured his energy into creating pathways of hope and transformation, particularly for African American youth, fathers, and communities that too often went unseen or underserved. He believed that healing begins with presence, and that power is found not in status, but in service. For more than 25 years, he lived that truth out loud.
At the time of his passing in 2024, Lawrence was serving as the Director of Business and Program Development at Fathers Incorporated. In this role, he helped shape the organization’s national strategies for father engagement, fund development, civic partnership, and public impact. He was a senior leader, trusted voice, and one of the most respected builders behind the scenes of Fathers Incorporated’s growth and reputation. His fingerprints are woven through nearly every program and initiative that has emerged from the organization in recent years.
But Lawrence's work in this space began long before. A proud alumnus of The Ohio State University, he launched his career serving at-risk youth in Columbus, Ohio, and then carried that work into Kentucky, where he became one of Louisville’s most trusted nonprofit leaders. At the Louisville Urban League, he served as Director of Education and Youth Development, managing teams, programs, and initiatives that transformed the lives of countless Black boys and families. He co-created Zones of Hope, one of the city’s signature violence prevention strategies for young men of color, and led mentoring, college access, and youth development efforts across multiple institutions.
He was also the architect of Man Up, a character development initiative for middle school boys, and the leader behind Boys to Men, Always Sisters, and other faith-based and culturally anchored programs that combined guidance, accountability, and love. His resume documented his leadership. But it was the respect he earned from parents, students, colleagues, and communities that made him extraordinary.
Lawrence was deeply rooted in his faith. His service was never self-promotional; it was purpose-driven. As a youth pastor, community liaison, nonprofit executive, mentor, and educator, he used every opportunity to remind young people of their worth and potential. His work was his ministry. His life was his message.
At home, Lawrence was a husband, father, twin brother, and adoptive parent. He and his wife, Dr. Matisa Wilbon—co-chair of the Moynihan Institute for Fatherhood Research & Policy—shared a bond forged through faith, resilience, and partnership. Together, they adopted and raised two children, pouring into them the same love, guidance, and high expectations that defined their life’s work. Lawrence was not only a leader in the professional space; he was a committed and present father—never asking of other men what he wasn’t also willing to give.
Those who worked alongside him knew his humility. His deep listening. His ability to support without ego. To lead without demanding attention. He was the kind of man who showed up early, stayed late, and never missed a moment to lift someone else.
To honor his legacy, Fathers Incorporated proudly launched the L-FORCE Civic Engagement Academy in 2025. Named in Lawrence’s honor, L-FORCE reflects his belief that fatherhood is not just a personal role—it’s a public responsibility. L-FORCE trains fathers to lead through service, advocacy, and sustained community engagement. It challenges men to do more than be present—it invites them to be powerful.
Lawrence E. Wilbon didn’t just serve people—he stood with them. He was, and always will be, a quiet force of righteousness, clarity, and compassion in a world that needed all three.
And now, through L-FORCE and the continued work of those he mentored, his light lives on.