Tributes throughout the state were being issued this week in memory of former State Sen. Glenn L. Howard.
The longtime legislator and community activist, recognized as one of the city’s leading African-American officials, died this week at age 72 following a long illness. He had been recuperating from surgery at a local health care facility.
Howard represented a district on the Westside of Indianapolis in the Indiana Senate from 1993 to 2009.
Howard’s wife, Florence, issued a statement remembering her husband as “an upbeat, positive individual that worked tirelessly for his Indianapolis community. Glenn never met a stranger and was always on the side of the underdog.”
Throughout his political career, Howard served as an advocate for the rights of working Hoosiers, equal opportunity and economic development on the city’s Near Westside. He also played a key role in the process of renaming part of Michigan Road near downtown in honor of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.
Tributes for Howard came from those who have fond memories of both his affable, fun personality and his legislative accomplishments.
“His jovial spirit and kind disposition gave those meeting him for the first time a feeling of immediate kinship and genuine warmth,” said Tanya Bell, president and CEO of Indiana Black Expo. “His intellect and strong convictions commanded respect from colleagues and leadership throughout the public and private sectors.”
Indiana Democratic Party Chairman Dan Parker said Howard “fought for equality and civil rights across Indiana and locally, and his efforts made our state a better place for all Hoosiers to live. He will be greatly missed.”
Marion County Democratic Party Chairman Ed Treacy said he will miss Howard’s presence in the community and his sense of humor.
“Indianapolis and Indiana are both better places because of the work Glenn did,” Treacy said. “All Marion County Democrats join me in mourning his passing and our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time.”
A graduate of Crispus Attucks High School who attended Alabama State University and the University of Indianapolis, Howard first answered his call to community service by getting involved in civil rights organizations such as the NAACP, the Concerned Clergy and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.
Howard was a vigorous supporter of the United North West Area (UNWA) Neighborhood Association, initiating its Christmas Food Give-Away and various development projects.
He was also instrumental in the founding and development of Indiana Black Expo and served as its first statewide coordinator. Bell described Howard as “a cornerstone” of the Indianapolis Chapter of Indiana Black Expo.
In addition, he helped the late Rev. Mozel Sanders in organizing the very first Thanksgiving Dinner Giveaway.
Howard became interested in politics in 1971, and made a strong but unsuccessful run for a seat on the City-County Council. He was elected to the council in 1975, and served there until being elected to the Senate in 1992.
As a senator, Howard was very active with the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus and the National Black Caucus of State Legislators.
Howard retired from government service in 2009 due to health reasons.
“Sen. Howard was a passionate community leader who lived his life championing causes which impacted the quality of life for minorities,” said Joe Slash, president and CEO of the Indianapolis Urban League. “He has always been on the front lines, always willing to ask the difficult questions and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.”
Howard leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 37 years, Florence; daughter, Tamara Golden (Erwin); son, Glenn Lamont Howard; two grandsons: Christian and Jaheim; brothers: O. D. Howard and Jesse Howard (Darlene), and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Arrangements are being handled by Stuart Mortuary and were pending at press time.
