Willie Ervin (Stevenson) Glanton (1922 - 2017)

Born 19 Mar 1922 in Hot Springs, Garland, Arkansas, United States

Wife of Luther Thomas Glanton Jr — married 14 Jun 1951 in Garland, Arkansas, United States

Died 6 Jul 2017 at age 95 in Des Moines, Polk, Iowa, United States

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Biography

Willie (Stevenson) Glanton is Notable.

Willie Stevenson Glanton is a notable figure due to her trailblazing achievements in the legal profession and her unwavering dedication to civil rights, human services, and women's rights. As the first African American woman to be admitted to the Iowa Bar Association and the first to become an Assistant County Attorney in Polk County, she shattered barriers and paved the way for others to follow. Her remarkable journey continued as she became the first African American woman elected to the Iowa General Assembly, making her an influential advocate for social and political change. Throughout her career, she fearlessly fought against racial discrimination and inequality, leaving an indelible impact on her community and beyond. Her accomplishments, along with her tireless activism and dedication to education, earned her a place in the Iowa Women's Hall of Fame and the Iowa African-American Hall of Fame, solidifying her status as a trailblazer and role model for generations to come.^[1][2][3][4]

Willie Ervin Stevenson, a trailblazing figure in law, human services, and civil rights, was born on March 19, 1922, in the vibrant town of Hot Springs, Garland County, Arkansas. Her parents, Ervin Sullivan Stevenson and Willie Ever Parker Stevenson, instilled in her a strong sense of determination and passion for justice from an early age.^[1][2][3][4]

During her early years, Willie lived on Cedar Street in Hot Springs, a place she called home throughout the 1930s^[5] and 1940s.^[6] As she grew, her thirst for knowledge led her to pursue higher education. In her quest for learning, she enrolled at Tennessee State University in Nashville, Tennessee, where she earned a bachelor's degree in business education. Later, she embarked on an ambitious journey, attending the prestigious Robert H. Terrell Law School in Washington DC, ultimately graduating with a law degree.^[1][2][3][4]

In 1951, love found her, and she married Luther T. Glandon Jr. in Garland County, Arkansas.^[7][8] The couple then relocated to Des Moines, Iowa, where Willie's remarkable career began to take shape. In 1953, she became the second African American woman to gain admission to the Iowa Bar Association. Her remarkable achievements didn't stop there, as she became the first African American woman to hold the position of Assistant County Attorney in Polk County in 1956.^[1][2][3][4]

Willie's passion for justice and dedication to uplifting her community did not go unnoticed. In the 1960s, the U.S. State Department recognized her expertise and sent her on a mission to Africa and Southeast Asia. There, she studied and compared laws and their impact on women in these countries, furthering her commitment to advocating for equal rights and opportunities.^[1][2][3][4]

In 1963, Willie fearlessly addressed an audience at a Farm Bureau conference, shedding light on the pervasive racial discrimination that plagued both the South and the subtler forms in the North. Her eloquent words urged people to stand up against injustice and bigotry, calling upon the silent majority to take action.^[1][2][3][4]

The year 1964 witnessed yet another groundbreaking moment in Willie's life, as she became the first African American woman elected to the Iowa General Assembly, serving as a state representative. Her contributions to the legal profession were equally significant, as she held an esteemed position as an attorney and equal opportunity advocate with the Small Business Administration starting in 1966.

Throughout her illustrious career, Willie shattered glass ceilings, making strides for gender and racial equality. She made history as the first woman and first Black to be elected president of the Iowa Chapter Federal Bar Association, a testament to her exceptional leadership and legal acumen. In 1986, she represented the association on a people-to-people tour of China, Finland, and the Soviet Union.^[1][2][3][4]

Her unwavering commitment to her community and her dedication to civil rights earned her recognition and numerous accolades. Willie was inducted into the Iowa Women's Hall of Fame in 1986, an acknowledgment of her pioneering efforts. Beyond that, she broke barriers by becoming the first Black attorney at the U.S. Small Business Administration in 1966, and later, in 1985, the first African American member of the Des Moines City Council on an interim basis.^[1][2][3][4]

Not only was she a symbol of change and progress for her community, but she also inspired young African American women to achieve higher education and pursue successful professional careers. Her involvement in various organizations, such as the Westminster Presbyterian Church and her founding memberships in the Des Moines Chapter of the Links, the Des Moines Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, and the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, showcased her dedication to creating a better, more inclusive society.^[1][2][3][4]

Willie Stevenson Glanton's impactful life journey continued to influence her community even after her retirement in 1987. From 1999 to 2012, she served on the Board for Des Moines University, leaving an enduring mark on the institution. Recognizing her service, leadership, and dedication to justice and education, Des Moines University established a Scholarship Fund in honor of Willie and her husband.^[1][2][3][4]

Her exceptional achievements did not go unnoticed, and in 1986, she was rightfully inducted into the Iowa Women's Hall of Fame.^[9] Later, in 2007, the Iowa African-American Hall of Fame recognized her contributions, cementing her place as a pioneering figure in the state's history.^[1][2][3][4]

Willie Stevenson Glanton's remarkable journey ended on July 6, 2017, in Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa.^[10] Her legacy, however, lives on, as her impact on civil rights, equality, and education continues to inspire generations. Resting at Resthaven Cemetery in West Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa^[11], she leaves behind a profound and enduring legacy as a true champion for justice and progress.

Sources

1. ↑ ^{1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10} Munson, Kyle, The Des Moines Register, Published 7 Jul 2017. "How Willie Glanton, Iowa's graceful Civil Rights icon, inspired generations." Accessed 5 Aug 2023.
2. ↑ ^{2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10} The Iowa Legisature, Compiled Historical Information, (n.d.). "Representative Willie Stevenson Glanton." Accessed 5 Aug 2023.
3. ↑ ^{3.00 3.01 3.02 3.03 3.04 3.05 3.06 3.07 3.08 3.09 3.10} African American Registry (AAREG), Journal of the Registry, 15 Apr 2021. "Willie s. Glanton, Politician born." Accessed 5 Aug 2023.
4. ↑ ^{4.00 4.01 4.02 4.03 4.04 4.05 4.06 4.07 4.08 4.09 4.10} Wikipedia Contributors. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 9 Jun 2023. "Willie Stevenson Glanton." Accessed 5 Aug 2023.
5. ↑ 1930 United States Federal Census: Year: 1930; Census Place: Hot Springs, Garland, Arkansas; Page: 8B; Enumeration District: 0042; FHL microfilm: 2339810 Ancestry Record 6224 #114615682
6. ↑ 1940 United States Federal Census: Year: 1940; Census Place: Hot Springs, Garland, Arkansas; Roll: m-t0627-00137; Page: 9B; Enumeration District: 26-22 Ancestry Record 2442 #105291727
7. ↑ Newspaper Clipping, The Des Moines Register, Des Moines, Iowa, 27 May 1951, Sun. - Page 53. "Miss Stevenson to Wed Luther Glanton, Jr., in June." Accessed 5 Aug 2023.
8. ↑ Arkansas, Marriage Certificates, 1917-1972: Arkansas Department of Vital Records; Little Rock, Arkansas; Marriage Certificates; Year: 1951; Film: #7 Ancestry Record 61775 #91150143
9. ↑ Iowa Department of Human Rights, (n.d.). "1986 Iowa Women's Hall of Fame Honoree: Willie Stevenson Glanton." Accessed 5 Aug 2023.
10. ↑ U.S., Obituary Collection, 1930-Current: Legacy; Publication Place: IA, United States; URL: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/desmoinesregister/obituary.aspx?n=willie-stevenson-glanton&pid=186059661&fhid=29574 Ancestry Record 7545 #947750737
11. ↑ Burial: Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/181127735/willie-glanton: accessed 05 August 2023), memorial page for Willie Stevenson Glanton (19 Mar 1922–6 Jul 2017), Find A Grave: Memorial #181127735, citing Resthaven Cemetery, West Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa, USA; Maintained by TheIrishScourge (contributor 47974452).

See also:

• Wikidata: Item Q18686362