Leontyne Butler King facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Leontyne Butler King
Leontyne Butler King, from a 1947 publication.
Born	Leontyne Butler July 4, 1905 New Orleans, Louisiana
Died	January 23, 1976 Los Angeles, California
Nationality	American
Occupation	Businesswoman, clubwoman, library commissioner

Leontyne Butler King (born July 4, 1905 – died January 23, 1976) was an American businesswoman. She was also a well-known clubwoman. After 1938, she lived in Los Angeles, California. She was very active on the Los Angeles Public Library commission.

Early Life

Leontyne Butler was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. Her father worked on the railroad. He passed away when she was young. Her stepfather, Leon E. Brown, also worked for the railroad. Leontyne went to Knoxville College. As a teenager, she moved to Chicago. She lived there with her mother, Hattie Butler Brown, and her aunt.

Leontyne King's Career

Helping the Library System

Leontyne King made history. She was the first black member of the Los Angeles Public Library Commission. This group had five people. She served on the commission from early 1961 until the mid-1970s. She took over a seat that was once held by Dolores Hope.

In 1962, she was chosen as the commission's vice-president. By 1969, she became the president. During her time as president, the library system tried new things. They continued a "Service for Shut-Ins." This service delivered books to older, sick, or disabled people. The libraries also hired helpers who spoke two languages. They celebrated Negro History Week. Black artists and writers were invited to speak. One famous speaker was the painter Charles W. White. Leontyne King also spoke out against building parking lots. She wanted to protect green spaces in the city.

King also represented the Los Angeles library system. She attended meetings for the American Library Association (ALA). These were in 1963 and 1964. She also went to the American Library Trustees Association (ALTA) meetings in 1965 and 1973. At the 1963 ALA meeting, she gave an important speech. She asked librarians to offer "more books dealing with Negro History and Achievement."

In 1966, she led Library Week for ALTA across the country. She also served on the ALTA board of directors. She represented the western part of the United States in 1969.

Fashion and Style

In the 1930s, when she lived in Chicago, King worked at a dress shop. Later, in Los Angeles, she became known for her great sense of style. She was a very fashionable clubwoman. Jet magazine described her in 1952. They said she was "always chic" and a "statuesque brunette." The magazine included her in a list of "America's Best Dressed Women." They noted that she liked "quiet elegance and simplicity." She used furs and expensive jewelry to make her outfits richer. In 1954, she directed and commented on fashion shows in Los Angeles.

Other Work and Community Roles

Leontyne King also owned a business. She had a jukebox franchise. Her machines were placed in businesses owned by black people. Her son took over this business when he went to college. She also worked as a "family service adviser" at a funeral home.

King helped start the Church of Divine Guidance. This was a Baptist church in Los Angeles. In 1953 and 1954, King led the women's division. This was for the Goodwin J. Knight for Governor Campaign committee.

Personal Life

Leontyne Butler married Celestus A. King Jr. in 1921. They had a son named Celestus King III. He was born in 1923. Their son served in World War II. He later became a successful businessman in Los Angeles. The King family moved to Los Angeles in 1938.

Leontyne King passed away from cancer in 1976. She was 70 years old. Her gravesite is in Inglewood Cemetery. A week after she died, Representative Yvonne Brathwaite Burke honored King. She read a tribute about her into the Congressional record.