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Collection Guide
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King (Lillie Mae Ransom) Photographs and Papers
SFP 92  
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Collection Overview
 
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Description
The Lillie Mae King (Ransom) collection is comprised of photographs and ephemera documenting the Ransom family as well as documentation from her tenure as Secretary of the Western Addition Community Organization (WACO). Types of material include family photos, religious and school certificates, church and school related newspaper clippings, WACO correspondence, WACO financial ledger, and WACO member rosters.
Background
Lillie Mae King (Ransom) was an African­ American community organizer in San Francisco’s Western Addition neighborhood. Born in Dallas, Texas in 1920 she completed high school at the Girls High School in San Francisco in 1937 and became an active community member. She raised her four sons­ Jesse Jr., Leonard, Christopher and Lawrence­ in the Western Addition and was an active member of the Catholic community. In the 1960s she became involved with the Western Addition Community Organization (WACO) and later became the organization’s secretary. On December 26, 1968 WACO filed a lawsuit against the San Francisco Redevelopment Agency which resulted in the withholding of agency funding until a satisfactory relocation plan was in place for community residents. Lillie was widely recognized for her advocacy and community organizing work, specifically regarding the impact of redevelopment on the Area 2 neighborhood in Western Addition. The San Francisco Board of Supervisors adjourned its regular meeting out of respect to the memory of her, following her death March 7, 1986.
Extent
One carton. (1 Cubic Feet)
Restrictions
All requests for permission to publish from the collection must be submitted in writing to the Photo Curator. Permission for publication is given on behalf of the San Francisco Public Library as the owner of the physical items.
Availability
The collection is available for use during Photo Desk hours.