Celebrating Black History (Member Spotlight): Black History Hero.

• Author: Belton, John

When John Belton is asked about Black History Month, he talks about his hero, his father.

John Belton, District Attorney for the Third Judicial District in North Louisiana, attributes his strong faith and perseverance to his father, Willie Belton. Willie was a decorated veteran of the Korean War who became an owner of several businesses, and a civil rights leader.

Willie Belton was shot and wounded saving another soldier during the Korean War and was highly decorated for his bravery, but when he returned home, his own country denied him certain rights. "At that time--schools, water fountains, and restrooms were all segregated and African Americans had to sit in the back of movie theaters and could not stay in hotels," Belton said.

Regardless of the lack of equality, his father was never bitter. "He always said that America is still the greatest country on earth regardless of its issues regarding inequality, and that one of the greatest things about America is its constitution," Belton said.

Willie became an advocate for civil rights to help America live up to its creed that all men are created equal. He embraced the nonviolent teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and marched with Dr. King in Washington, D. C. and Selma, Alabama. He was president of the local NAACP chapter and a key figure in regional and state politics.

Belton's father ran for State Representative in the 1970s at a time when minority districts did not exist. "He ran knowing he could not win, but his goal was to encourage African Americans not...