He was the eighth president of the Baltimore Urban League, serving from 1982 until he retired in 1987. During his tenure, he oversaw the implementation of programs designed to promote education, employment, health and human services, and housing and consumer services.
He was presented the Parren J. Mitchell Unity Award in 1987 by the Baltimore Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, and the Community Service Award from Penn State.
From 1983 to 1986, he served as chairman of the Judicial Nominating Commission for Maryland's 8th Judicial Circuit.
Dr. Whitten served on numerous boards, including that of the Kennedy Krieger Institute, Boys' Latin School, Metropolitan Baltimore Junior Achievement and on the Governor's Advisory Committee for Manpower and Development.
He was involved in community outreach programs for the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and the National Aquarium in Baltimore, and was a member of the Alliance for Blacks and Jews.
Dr. Whitten was an avid track and field fan and enjoyed attending the annual Penn Relays. He also played bridge and tennis and was a world traveler.
He was a communicant for more than 57 years of the Episcopal Church of the Holy Trinity 2300 W. Lafayette Ave., where a memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Oct. 6.
In addition to his son, Dr. Whitten is survived by his wife of 63 years, the former Lucretia Bibbins, who had been an accountant in the comptroller's office at Morgan State University; a brother, Tobias Whitten of Wilmington, Del.; a sister, Ann Adams of Washington; and four nieces.
