Remember Volma Overton Sr. Beach at Town Lake Metro Park as more than just a place. It is a testament to a life dedicated to civil rights. This park was once known as Lamar Beach. It was renamed to honor Volma Overton Sr.
Overton was a champion for equality in Austin. He served as president of the Austin chapter of the NAACP for over two decades from 1962 to 1983. His work touched many aspects of Austin life.
Volma Overton Sr. was a World War II veteran. He also graduated from Huston-Tillotson University. He began his fight for racial justice in the 1950s. He worked to combat discrimination against minority employees.
Here at Volma Overton Sr. Beach, remember his commitment. Overton bravely filed a lawsuit in 1970. This lawsuit aimed to desegregate the Austin Independent School District. His daughter, DeDra, was the lead plaintiff. The case resulted in a victory in 1979. It mandated investments in East Austin schools. It also ended the city’s evasion of federal integration policy through busing programs.
Before the lawsuit Overton fought to integrate Bastrop State Park’s swimming pool in 1963. He stood alongside Boy Scout Troop #70. Carol Hawkins recalled Overton joining her all-white Baptist church. She was a junior at Austin High. She credits Overton with influencing a generation of Austinites. They may have otherwise remained distant from the civil rights movement.
Volma Overton Sr. also established the first federal credit union for east Austinites. He integrated the city’s First Baptist Church. Moreover Overton marched with Martin Luther King Jr. at Selma.
Throughout the 1980s Overton continued his work. He pressured the city to create a Human Relations Commission. He sought to restructure discriminatory electoral practices. These practices excluded minorities from City Council.
His granddaughter, Kim Overton, hopes the renaming encourages understanding. She noted the park’s location along Cesar Chavez corridor. It symbolizes his passion for bridging Austin’s east and west sides.
Volma Overton Sr. passed away in 2005. He was interred with military honors at the Texas State Cemetery. His legacy lives on here at Volma Overton Sr. Beach. It serves as a reminder of one man’s fight. It inspires us to continue striving for equality.