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Issue: 893 Date: 10/4/2007
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U. City walking trail named for Betty L. Thompson
Resident, politician, activist recognized for legendary achievements
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| Betty Thompson |
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UNIVERSITY CITY, MO: While many famous people have roots in eclectic University City, few can claim Living Legend status. Former State Representative Betty L. Thompson is among those few. In recognition of a lifetime of achievements, Thompson has again been selected for special recognition. Soon, a public walking trail in Millar Park (Canton and North & South) will be named The Betty L. Thompson Recreation Trail. The enabling City Council Resolution will be signed 6:30pm Monday, October 1 at U. City Hall, 6801 Delmar.
On September 25, the U. City Park Commission unanimously approved naming of this public walking trail located in Thompson's long-time neighborhood.
Betty L. Thompson served as the 2000 Democratic Majority Whip while representing part of St. Louis County (District 72) in the Missouri House of Representatives. She has quietly and gracefully achieved many firsts, including:* First African American female elected to the City Council of University City (1980)* First African American elected to Women in Government - an arm of the prestigious Nations League of Cities (1987)* First African American female to be arrested in Washington, DC for protesting Apartheid in South Africa (1988)* First African American to serve on the cabinet of St. Louis County Executive-Democrat Buzz Westfall (1991)* First Democrat to be elected by the Republican Majority as Vice-chair of the Ethics Commission (2002)
Living Legend Betty L. Thompson received the 2006 M. L. King Spirit Award from the U. City School Board and City Council. She has also received the Gwen Giles Award, Human Development Corporation (HDC) of Metropolitan St. Louis Employee of the Year Award, HDC Community Service Award, Drum Major Peace Award by the St. Louis Clergy Coalition, Outstanding Legislative Mother of the Year Award from the U.S. Senate, KMOX Radio and Suburban Journal's Women of Achievement Award, RiverFront Times' Best of St. Louis-Politician of the Year, St. Louis Post-Dispatch Outstanding Women in Leadership, Ernest and DeVerne Lee Calloway Award, and the St. Louis M. L. King Leadership Award.
A 1958 graduate of Sumner High School, Thompson received a certificate of business from Hubbard's Business College; and a certificate of managerial management from Washington University. She also attended Harris-Stowe State College. Born December 3, 1939, Thompson has spent most of her life in Missouri. She and her husband Jack have long been residents of University City. They have four adult children: Anthony, Tyrone, Sonja and Kwame; and several grandchildren.
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