Bloomington civil rights leader and activist dies

The Rev. Ernest D. Butler, well known in Bloomington as a dedicated civil rights leader and advocate for the poor, died early Saturday morning. He was 89-years-old.\nRev. Butler retired in October 2002 after 43 years as pastor at the Second Baptist Church. In January 2003, Butler was inducted into the Monroe County Hall of Fame for his work fighting social injustices.\nButler fought for the city's poor and created Bloomington's Human Rights Commission. He served 28 years on the Bloomington Public Housing Board and 22 years as its chairman. Butler is also credited with helping to create housing developments for low-income families.\nIn addition to his work for lower income community members, Butler was also passionate about Bloomington's youth. He started a summer camp for children in southern Indiana and was always available to lend an ear.\nJanice Tharp, a student database coordinator at IU, agrees. After moving to Bloomington in 1979, Tharp became a member of Butler's Second Baptist Church and started a friendship with him that lasted until his death.\n"When I think of Rev. Butler, in my mind I see him as a man who has always been someone who helped IU students and would answer any call," Tharp said. "He loved children and would fight for their cause at any cost. Even though he was 89-years-old, he was still full of energy and was a kid at heart."\nIn addition to the Reverend's dedication to children and the poor, he set up programs to help underprivileged African-Americans.\nClarence Gilliam, a friend of the Reverend's since 1966 and president of the Monroe County chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, said his friend had a major influence bringing about social change.\n"He paved the way for African-Americans to gain respect and dignity in this community," Gilliam said.\nRev. Butler was an activist for improvements in human rights and will be remembered differently by the many people he helped throughout his life.\nTharp will remember the Reverend as a passionate person who made his community's well-being a priority in his life.\n"He would challenge you to be strong," Tharp said, "but he would also accept any challenge placed in front of him."\nGilliam acknowledged Butler's leadership in the community.\n"He looked at the condition of all persons," Gilliam said. "He worked as a leader to promote people's spiritual growth"