Biden signs into law Lawson’s bill to name post office for Stephens
Special to the Outlook
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The post office on the Southside of Tallahassee is getting a new name.
President Joe Biden signed into law a bill introduced by Rep. Al Lawson to rename the main post office in honor of D. Edwina Stephens. The post office is located at 2800 South Adams Street, where it intersects with Orange Avenue.
Stephens, who died in 2011 at age 86, was known for her work as a civil rights icon. She spent her life advocating for her community and holding elected officials accountable, especially in the historically neglected neighborhoods on Tallahassee’s Southside and in the Greater Bond community.
“The Southside community adored Edwina Stephens for her work to advance the neighborhood,” Lawson said. “The opportunity to name the main post office after such a social justice giant is incredible. She was committed to fighting for civil rights and advocating for projects that enhanced the community.”
Stephens worked as a registered nurse at Florida A&M University and Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare. She was a member of many religious and civic organizations. They included the Leon County Juvenile Justice Council, Keep Tallahassee/Leon County Beautiful, Habitat for Humanity, Community in Schools Task Force, and the Smith-Williams Foundation Board.
Stephens many honors include the Florida Finest Award presented by Gov. Lawton Chiles. The bipartisan bill gained support from every member of Florida’s congressional delegation.
