Glendora Putnam facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Glendora Putnam
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Glendora McIlwain Putnam
25 July 1923 Lugoff, South Carolina, U.S.
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| Died | 5 June 2016 (aged 92) |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Assistant Attorney General of Massachusetts, Civil rights activist |
| Spouse(s) | Harold Putnam |
| Relatives | 1 brother |
Glendora McIlwain Putnam was an important American civil rights activist. She was also the first African American woman to become an Assistant Attorney General in Massachusetts. She lived from July 25, 1923, to June 5, 2016.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Glendora Putnam was born in Lugoff, South Carolina on July 25, 1923. Her parents were Simon and Katherine McIlwain. She had one brother named Luther. Luther later became a Tuskegee Airman and a police officer in New York City.
In the late 1920s, her parents moved the family north. They wanted to find better opportunities for their children. They settled in Massachusetts, living in Methuen and South Lawrence. Her parents were also involved in the civil rights movement.
Glendora first attended a junior college in the southern United States. She wanted to go to law school, but her teachers told her not to. So, she transferred to Bennett College and earned her bachelor's degree there.
After that, she went on to get her law degree. She studied at the Boston University School of Law. Glendora was very determined to become a lawyer. She wanted to help end segregation and discrimination.
Working for Civil Rights
Glendora Putnam made history as the first African American woman. She became an Assistant Attorney General in Massachusetts. She worked in the office of Edward W. Brooke, who was a classmate from her law school.
In this important role, she led the civil rights division. Before this, Putnam and Brooke had worked together. They focused on civil rights issues for the NAACP. Glendora continued to hold this position under Brooke's successors, Elliot Richardson and Robert H. Quinn.
In 1969, Glendora Putnam became the chair of the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination. She once said that this job was like being "given a teaspoon to shovel out an ocean." This meant the task was huge and challenging.
After seven years, she left the Commission. She then became an assistant secretary for fair housing and equal opportunity. This was part of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. Later, she returned to Massachusetts. She worked at the Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency. She also served on the advisory board for the Massachusetts Civil Rights Commission.
In the 1980s, she chaired the board of the Young Women's Christian Association. This was an organization that had refused to let her join when she was young. This was because of segregation in the South.
Awards and Recognition
Glendora Putnam received many awards for her civil rights work. She earned the YW Boston's Academy of Women Achievers award. She also received the Sandra B. Henriquez Racial Justice award.
In 2012, the Museum of African American History named her a Living Legend. This is the museum's highest honor.
She also received honorary doctor of law degrees. These came from Bennett College in 1991 and the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. The Boston University School of Law gave her the Silver Shingle Award. This award recognizes outstanding public service. The Massachusetts Black Lawyer's Association also honored her. They presented her with the Distinguished Achievement Award.
Personal Life
Glendora Putnam married Harold Putnam. He was a state representative in the Great and General Court. They later divorced. Glendora Putnam passed away on June 5, 2016, after having a stroke.
See also
- List of first women lawyers and judges in Massachusetts
