City Council Approves renaming of the Acres Homes Neighborhood Library

 

 

From: Simpson, Greg - HPL
Sent: Wednesday, September 19, 2012 11:58 AM
To: HPL - All Employees
Subject: City Council Approves renaming of the Acres Homes Neighborhood Library
Importance: High

 

Hello all-

 

The Houston City Council today voted to rename the Acres Homes Neighborhood Library in honor of the late local community activist Beulah Shepard. The approved renaming follows Mayor Annise D. Parker proclaiming September 18, 2012, as Beulah Shepard-Acres Homes Neighborhood Library Day in Houston.  

 

Beginning immediately, the location is known as the Beulah Shepard – Acres Homes Neighborhood Library.

 

Ms. Shepard was known as the “Mayor” of the Acres Home community.  She was instrumental in improving the community, working to secure a swimming pool, a neighborhood library and renaming of streets by lobbying the Houston City Council.

 

Ms. Shepard crossed many political barriers, and made herself heard about what she believed in and supported many important causes with great passion. She worked on several Democratic campaigns that included John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, Hubert Humphrey, Jimmy Carter, Barbara Jordan, Mark White, Mickey Leland, and in 1970, she helped campaign for Houston’s first black city council member, Judson Robinson. She shared her wisdom with public figures at all levels. Local city council members, county officials, state legislators, members of Congress and even several U.S. Presidents sought her advice and counsel. 

 

Ms. Shepard was 89 years old when she passed away on September 11, 2010.

 

The Planning and Facilities team has started the process of ordering new exterior signage for the location, and the Communications team has begun work on making changes to the location name in print and online materials.

 

Please let me know if you have any questions.

 

Sincerely,

Greg

Greg Simpson, Assistant Director

Communications Division

Houston Public Library

(O) 832-393-1333

(C)  713-851-8390

Please note my new email address:  greg.simpson@houstontx.gov

If you would like to receive periodic emails from Mayor Annise D. Parker and the City of Houston on topics of interest to you and your neighborhood, please go to www.houstontx.gov and register with CitizensNet.