It was my honor Saturday to attend the dedication of the Oak Springs library for Austin's beloved Willie Mae "Ankie" Kirk, an outstanding educator, civil rights activist, Library Commissioner, grandmother, and philanthropist. In recognition of her decades of service to the community, the Austin City Council passed an ordinance Feb 12, 2012, officially renaming the Oak Springs Branch Library the Willie Mae Kirk Branch Library.
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Mrs. Kirk has spent her entire life making Austin a better place. She was active in the civil rights movement in the 1950s and 60s, protesting segregation in schools, at department store lunch counters and even at Barton Springs pool, where African Americans — including her own children — were once forbidden from swimming.
In 1971, Austin Mayor Jeffrey Friedman appointed Mrs. Kirk to the Library Commission, where she served for 12 years. In that time, she worked tirelessly to improve library facilities all over Austin, including the George Washington Carver Branch, which received major renovations during her tenure.
There was a fine crowd on hand to honor Mrs. Kirk, including Mayor Lee Leffingwell, who gave the opening address. He was accompanied by Mayor Pro Tem Sheryl Cole, Austin City Council member Mike Martinez, and former mayor Gus Garcia.
Other dignitaries in attendance included State Sen. Kirk Watson and two of Mrs. Kirk's distinguished children — former planning commissioner Saundra Kirk and former Dallas mayor Ron Kirk, who currently serves as U.S. Trade Representative under President Obama.
Congratulations, Mrs. Kirk, and thank you for all have done and continue to do for the children and families of Austin!![]()
Mrs. Kirk has spent her entire life making Austin a better place. She was active in the civil rights movement in the 1950s and 60s, protesting segregation in schools, at department store lunch counters and even at Barton Springs pool, where African Americans — including her own children — were once forbidden from swimming.
In 1971, Austin Mayor Jeffrey Friedman appointed Mrs. Kirk to the Library Commission, where she served for 12 years. In that time, she worked tirelessly to improve library facilities all over Austin, including the George Washington Carver Branch, which received major renovations during her tenure.
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| Willie Mae Kirk has touched many lives over the years, which is reflected by the crowd that assembled to honor the renaming of the Oaks Springs library for her. |
There was a fine crowd on hand to honor Mrs. Kirk, including Mayor Lee Leffingwell, who gave the opening address. He was accompanied by Mayor Pro Tem Sheryl Cole, Austin City Council member Mike Martinez, and former mayor Gus Garcia.
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| The dedication ceremony for the Willie Mae Kirk Branch Library included an honor guard of Buffalo Soldiers. |
Congratulations, Mrs. Kirk, and thank you for all have done and continue to do for the children and families of Austin!
