UPDATED WITH NEW INFORMATION: Services have been set for Glenn L. Howard, the feisty, outspoken community activist, who served our African-American community as a member of the City County Council and as a State Senator who died Monday evening (July 2nd) after a long illness. He was 72. Calling for Glenn Howard will be this coming Friday, July 13th from 4pm-8pm at Stuarts Mortuary, 22nd & Illinois. Funeral services will be this coming Saturday, July 14th at 11am at Howard’s beloved Crispus Attucks High School, 1140 Dr. Martin Luther King Street. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that contributions be made to the Glenn Howard Junior Golf Program. Pan Am Plaza, Suite 1200, 201 S Capitol Avenue, Indianapolis 46225.
On behalf of the People of Indiana, Gov. Mitch Daniels led the tributes to Glenn Howard saying, “Glenn Howard was a lion in a debate but a joy as a friend. He was never afraid to put his district and his causes ahead of party. Indianapolis has lost a strong advocate and Indiana a true Hoosier original.”
Glenn L. Howard was born in Milan, TN to J. C. and Mable Moore Howard. Glenn attended Milan Elementary School before moving to Indianapolis. Glenn attended IPS School #41 and Crispus Attucks High School. At Attucks Glenn was one of the school’s star athletes, lettering in wrestling and football. Graduating in 1958, Glenn attended Alabama State University and Indiana Central College (now the University of Indianapolis).
Glenn Howard loved to work and his work ethic was legendary. His lifelong love of golf began when he was a caddy at the Broadmoor Country Club. Glenn also worked for Krogers Diary, Allison’s Division of General Motors, Cummings Engine, Coca-Cola Bottling Company, Indianapolis Power and Light Company, the Center Township Trustee and the Indianapolis Housing Authority.
Glenn Howard was an vigorous supporter of the United North West Area (UNWA) Neighborhood Association in the neighborhood where he lived for so many years. As an UNWA Board Member, Howard initiated the Christmas Food Give-A-Way along with other Community Development projects that were of benefit to the residents of this northwest side community.
Glenn Howard was one of the founders of Indiana Black Expo and served as its first statewide coordinator. A Board Member of Black Expo, Glenn was instrumental in the success of the Indiana Black Expo Soul Picnic and the Circle City Classic Football game.
But Glenn Howard was involved in so many community organizations and causes. Glenn contributed to the founding and success of: The Glenn Howard Junior Golf Program; King•Walker •Wilkins •Young Awards Program; Education: A Cause for Celebration Gala; Bragging Rights Golf Outing; Movement for Opportunity and Equality (MOE Labor Union Advocacy Organization); The Urban Union; Black Radical Action Project (BRAP); Delegate to the 1972 Black Political Convention, Gary, IN and The Indianapolis Classics. A “Tiger” forever Glenn Howard was actively involved with his beloved Crispus Attucks Class of 1958 and the Crispus Attucks Alumni Association. Glenn was a member of the Cosmo Knights, Inc.; National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), Indianapolis Urban League; Boy Scouts of America; Boys Town; The El-Amigo Social Club; Board Member, Flanner House; Board Member, Noble Center; Elks Lodge #103; Board Member, and Indianapolis Chapter of Indiana Black Expo. As a “jazz Enthusiast” Glenn was an original member of the Jazz Workers.
Though a member of Barnes United Methodist Church, Glenn Howard built bridges and forged strong working relationships with many of the city’s Pastors and Ministerial Alliance’s. Glenn assisted the late Rev. Dr. Mozel Sanders in organizing the very first Thanksgiving Dinner Give-Away at the Bo Foster’s Pearl’s Lounge. Glenn was also a founding member of the Concerned Clergy of Indianapolis initiating and hosting their weekly WTLC Radio show.
Glenn Howard became involved with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, Operation Breadbasket under the direction of the late Reverend Dr. Andrew J. Brown Jr. During his tenure as a staff person Glenn learned the art of protest that would stay with him for the rest of his life. Introduced to the institutional ills of Indianapolis from a different perspective, Glenn became a knowledgeable strategist. Glenn’s week night and Saturday morning informational updates on WTLC radio ultimately made Indianapolis a better place to live, work and play. Glenn was co-host with Linda Johnson and the late Reverend James Hawkins on Fiction, Fantasy, Reality a weekly WTTV Channel 4 TV show.
Despite his many contributions, it will be in he political area where Glenn Howard was best known. Glenn became interested in politics in 1971, when he ran for a seat on the City-County Council. Glenn served as on the Council from 1975 to 1992. He then was elected to the Indiana State Senate where he served from 1992 to 2009. Glenn was a member of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus; and the National Black Caucus of State Legislators.
Glenn Howard was married to the love of his life Florence Ragland Howard for over 37 years and together have one child Glenn Lamont. Glenn’s mother and father: Mable Moore Howard Quarles and J. C. Howard; and brother: Robert (Bobby) Howard all preceded him in death.
The Honorable Glenn L. Howard leaves to cherish his memory and legacy: 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), a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
