We can never put into words how much Beulah meant to us at ACORN and A Community Voice. She was the spirit and embodiment of all that we are . . . our values, why we do this work and what we hope for the future. We would like to celebrate her life and work.
Here is just some of her legacy . . .
Beulah Labostrie was a self described “Social Justice Fighter” and leader in the nation’s largest community organization, ACORN, representing the southern region on ACORN’ Executive Committee. In 1977 she began as a neighborhood member of the Fair Grounds ACORN group, she then went on for two decades to rule as President of Louisiana ACORN, when she retired to become President Emeritus of the group and its successor organization A Community Voice. Under her leadership the group became the largest community organization in the South as it battled housing/banking discrimination and her negotiations with banks created landmark programs for affordable housing. In New Orleans 2002, she mobilized a successful living wage ballot initiative, led a winning fight to stop privatization of the Sewerage and Water Board and in 2005 began a tremendous campaign that fought for the funding, return and rights of Hurricane Katrina survivors. She led picket lines, registered hundreds of voters, formed coalitions and worked tirelessly to organize and to show “the fight in us.” A Community Voice has an award named the Beulah Labostrie Social Justice Fighter Award. Revered in her organizations she made her love of people apparent as was true of her work with her beloved church.
Statement from Lanny Roy, President of A Community Voice
“I am honored to have served alongside Ms. Beulah Labostrie for over 40 years, first in Louisiana ACORN and then A Community Voice, fighting for justice for low to moderate income families in Louisiana and across the world. Her tireless efforts to fight for the fair and equal treatment of all people has always been an inspiration for me in my work. We will continue to honor and feel her with us as we keep fighting for social justice.”
A Celebration of Beulah’s life will be held on Saturday, September 8, 2018 at The Asia Baptist Church, 1400 Sere Street, New Orleans, Louisiana 70122. Visitation from 9:00a.m-11:00a.m. Service will begin at 11:00a.m. Reverend Kenneth G. Thibodeaux, officiating.
