Glenarden takes its origin from 1919 when W. R. Smith purchased a group of properties about 10 miles east of Washington, D.C., and established there a residential community of 15 people. Three decades later, under the banner of its energetic Civic Association, the African-American, middle-class suburban community that had developed from Mr. Smith’s venture petitioned the State Legislature for incorporation as the Town of Glenarden. The charter was granted on March 30, 1939, making Glenarden the third predominately black incorporated town in the State of Maryland. W. H. Swann was elected as its first mayor.

In April 1994, the Town Council adopted a resolution to change the name of the community from Town of Glenarden to City of Glenarden. The change took effect 50 days after it was adopted.

The City of Glenarden takes particular pride in participation in government and the education of its children. It has produced state senators, delegates, county councilmen, and other civic leaders. Among the programs it maintains for the guidance of its young people are:

• The Midnight Basketball League, Inc., which targets young adults ages 17-21 who are school drop-outs and jobless. The league plays three games per night, three nights a week between 10:00 p.m. and 2.00 a.m. during the summer months.

• The Glenarden Track Club, a non-profit organization open to athletes aged 6-18. The club’s purpose is to use team concepts in building good character, sportsmanship, morals, and social responsibility.

• The Youth and Family Services Department, which coordinates a summer employment training program for youths aged 14-19. Job readiness, skills enhancement, and resumé writing are the program’s main subjects. The activities are funded by the city and Prince George’s County.