Macon-Bibb officials to vote on renaming park after first black city councilwoman

East Macon Recreation Center could get a new name.

The Macon-Bibb County Commission will vote Tuesday on a proposal to rename the center after former Macon City Councilwoman Delores Ann Brooks. Brooks became the first black woman to serve on the council in 1975 and remained on the board until 1995.

The former educator was “well known for her vocal and sometimes colorful advocacy of issues,” Commissioner Elaine Lucas said this week.

Lucas, who sponsored the resolution, said Brooks was able to show her the ropes when she joined the City Council. Brooks played an important role in the recreation center being built at 3326 Ocmulgee East Blvd., she said.

“The main thing she showed me was you listed to what people have to say and try to do your best for the people that (elected) you,” Lucas said.

If the resolution passes, Brooks would join former Macon City Councilman Theron Ussery as the latest two officials to have recreation centers named after them. The former North Macon Park is now Theron Ussery Park.

This story was originally published March 17, 2017 at 1:54 PM with the headline "Macon-Bibb officials to vote on renaming park after first black city councilwoman."