Former Mayor Elzie Odom's Family Papers Added to Special Collections at UTA Libraries
Dozens of scrapbooks, personal letters, historical city documents, genealogical and other memorabilia from former Mayor Elzie Odom and wife Ruby Odom’s 40-plus years of serving the Arlington community are now available at the Special Collections at UTA Libraries.
The University of Texas at Arlington hosted a luncheon Tuesday to celebrate the new permanent collection, which university officials said will provide students, researchers and the public a glimpse into the Odom family’s leadership and vision, stories of sacrifice and courage, and their lasting contributions to the city. Community leaders attending the luncheon were among the first to view the collection of family papers, which includes documents from Elzie Odom’s six years as Arlington’s first African American mayor.
“We are truly honored to be able to house them at UTA, making them available for study, for inspiration, and for history, enabling his legacy to live on and provide motivation and direction for generations yet to come,” UTA President Dr. Vistasp M. Karbhari said.
Click here to see more photos from the event.
Elzie and Ruby Odom, who have been married for 72 years, thanked UTA, the City of Arlington, Mount Olive Baptist Church, family members and other community members who spent months researching and gathering materials to create and preserve the collection.
“This is such a blessing,” said Ruby Odom. “We are grateful, and we thank you.”
The Special Collections at UTA is located on the 6th floor of the Central Library, 702 Planetarium Place.
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