UTA Libraries Celebrates Mayor Elzie Odom, Donation of Odom Family Papers

The University of Texas at Arlington Libraries held a luncheon in honor of former mayor of Arlington Elzie Odom and his wife, Ruby, on February 18.

The luncheon celebrated the Odoms’ donation of collected papers to UTA Libraries earlier this year. The unprocessed collection is available now for public viewing.

“We are honored to celebrate Mayor and Mrs. Odom and their important legacy in the city of Arlington,” said Rebecca Bichel, Dean of UTA Libraries. “The Odoms’ papers will make a lasting impact in our collections and contribute to the research of scholars for decades to come.”

Elzie Odom was the first and only (yet) African American mayor of Arlington, TX. He was elected mayor in 1997 and served until 2003. He also served on the City Council. More information about Elzie Odom can be found on the City of Arlington's website. 

Attendees of the luncheon included President Vistasp Karbhari, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Teik C. Lim, and the current mayor of Arlington, Jeff Williams.

Brenda McClurkin, head of UTA Libraries Special Collections, presented, and will lead the development of, the collection.

“It is a privilege to be charged with preserving the Odoms’ papers,” McClurkin said. “We hope our students, faculty, staff, and visitors will explore the collection for themselves and learn more about these important leaders in our local history.”

Mayor and Mrs. Odom were introduced to attendees by their daughter, Barbara Odom-Wesley, who has continued the family legacy by serving on the Arlington City Council herself.

Ruby Odom thanked attendees and God for their presence in the Odoms’ lives.

“This is such a blessing,” Mrs. Odom said. “We thank Brenda and the President of UTA for everything they have done for us. God bless you.”

Mayor Odom made the audience laugh with his characteristic charm. He said Associate Professor of History Emeritus Dr. W. Marvin Dulaney first asked him about his papers—a conversation that was followed up years later by Special Collections.

“Thank you all for being here,” Mayor Odom said. “We love you.”

Dr. Jason Shelton, Associate Professor of Sociology and Director of the Center for African American Studies, provided the reflecting remarks, and Dean Bichel closed the event.

Attendees were also afforded the opportunity to peruse a selection of the papers in Special Collections. McClurkin says that Special Collections is in the process of digitizing a portion of the collection.