By Catherine Pugh
Special to the AFRO
Glenard Middleton Sr., the longtime Baltimore union leader, died Nov. 7, while in hospice care.
Middleton solidified his place in the heart of Charm City with his commitment to fighting for Maryland’s working class.
He was first elected to the top position of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 67 and president of local 44, in 1987. He also served on the executive board of the AFL-CIO’s Maritime Trades Department, in 2013, a position he held until his retirement in 2023.
“He was a leader among leaders,” said Courtney L. Jenkins, “and dedicated his life to fighting for public employees and union members.”
Middleton was a fighter who received numerous accolades. The building he purchased for the union under his leadership, at 1410 Bush Street in Baltimore, is named in his honor. The building represents the first time a Baltimore union owned its place of operation.
Middleton has a street named after him in Turner Station, “Glenard Middleton Court,” and the Sollers Point Multipurpose Center has an exhibit displaying his years of service. Last year, at the Legacy Affair, held Sept. 28, 2023 at Martin’s Valley Mansion in his honor, Middleton was able to truly understand his impact when union co-workers, leaders, friends and family were able to pay tribute to him.
Congressman Kweisi Mfume (D-Md.-07) took time to speak with the AFRO about Middleton’s character.
“His work ethic and sense of fairness led to him becoming a forceful, effective labor leader and civil rights advocate,” he said. “Glen loved his family, cherished his friends and didn’t suffer fools lightly. He defied the limitlessness of others’ expectations, and for that we are better for having known him.”
To others, he might have been the union man from Baltimore, but Middleton’s most important titles were “husband” and “father.”
Councilwoman Sharon Green Middleton, who has served as vice president of the Baltimore City Council since 2016, also represents Baltimore City’s 6th District. But long before she reported to City Hall, she married Glenard Middleton. The year was 1979.
“I met him when he was a prison guard, a job he worked at for 18 years,” recalled the councilwoman, in an AFRO interview.
Over the years, the two faced countless battles together while raising a family and rising through the ranks in their individual careers.
“He came home one day and told me he had been fired for being late. I told him he better get a job. I don’t know what he said, but the next day he was rehired. I was told…that is when he became noticed. It was how he stood up for himself that drew the attention of his mentors. They decided he should run to represent the workers at the prison and he won. The rest is history,” she said.
Current president of the City Council Nick Mosby, spoke about Middleton’s relentless spirit.
“He was a tireless advocate for working-class rights, always speaking for the voiceless,” says Mosby.“Glen Middleton was an extraordinary soul that devoted his life to his family, his community and the city.”
Middleton may have been a hometown hero- but he was also a loving father.
“He made time for me,” Glenard Middleton Jr. told the AFRO.“He taught me how to be a man, and so his death is a reminder to me to live a life of service–like he did.”
Glenard Middleton Jr. spoke about the fond memories he had with his father.
“I was always the envy of every kid during baseball season. My dad would take me out of school so I would never miss Opening Day,” he said.
Family members say Middleton’s presence will be missed- especially at meal time.
“At the end of every day, Glen would call and ask what do you want for dinner and if he wasn’t bringing it home he’d convince me we were going to Tio Pepe’s –his favorite restaurant,” said Councilwoman Middleton.
The councilwoman said her husband was always her number one supporter when it came to her work in helping the City of Baltimore and its residents.
“I was always supportive of Glen’s work as a union representative,” she said. “He just loved helping people and fighting for worker’s rights. My fondest memory was our discussion around me applying for the city council seat.”
At the time, a seat was vacated by former Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake when she moved to the presidency of the City Council. Sheila Dixon stepped up to the role of mayor to serve the remaining term of Mayor O’Malley, who was sworn in as governor of Maryland in January of 2007.
“‘You know what to do. You are doing the work,’” Councilwoman Middleton recalls her husband saying. “That was 17 years ago.”
Glenard Middleton is survived by his wife, Councilwoman Sharon Middleton; His children, daughters Otesa Miles and Anika Middleton, and his son Glenard Middleton Jr.; Two brothers Jimm Middleton, James Queen; Several grandsons: Jazz Miles, Jace Miles, Justin Miles, Ryan Crowder, Che Evans and his grand nephew, Carter Crowder.
All funeral related services will take place at Empowerment Temple African Methodist Episcopal Church, located at 4217-4221 Primrose Avenue in Baltimore.
Viewing Services will be held on Nov. 21, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. The wake will take place, November 22, 2024, from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. Funeral Services will begin promptly at 11 a.m.
The family has asked in lieu of flowers that donations be made to the Glenard Middleton Scholarship Fund which are being accepted by Local 44 AFSCME.
For further information call: 410-837-7278.
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