Calmly. At the public tribute to WNBA/SF’s founder, the estimable Effie Lee Morris, I was listed 6th on the program. But when Willie Brown showed up late, the line-up was expertly shuffled by our MC, Belva Davis. Lo and behold, right after our ex-Mayor, I was up. Deep breath.

“I was just a teenager when Effie Lee Morris founded the SF chapter of the WNBA. That act of generosity has meant so much for my career, and for the careers of countless number of women and men who have been members and friends.

Effie Lee was always inspiring and helpful – from suggesting venues for meetings to inviting interesting and unusual speakers. Connections and suggestions rolled off her tongue like a flowing river from the great peaks.

In 1984 Effie Lee was awarded the prestigious WNBA Award. The award is presented by the members of the Women’s National Book Association to “a living American woman who derives part or all of her income from books… and who has done meritorious work in the world of books beyond the duties of her profession or occupation.”

With the award, Effie lee joined an impressive list of women who have changed the world of books and literacy in this country; from E. Roosevelt to N. Pearl and San Francisco’s own K. Kamen Goldmark, Effie Lee worked tirelessly for the book.

When we choose a winner we ask: “What will this woman do for the book NOW?

We all know what Effie Lee did for the book NOW – she nurtured children and their love of reading. She brought books to South Africa and to children in need and was a force in the community of librarians.

We ask “What has she done outside of her given duties?” We all know that Effie Lee mentored countless numbers of librarians and academics, and that she founded the African American Archives at the SF Public Library & the Teddy Bear room at the Hall of Justice in SF for children whose parents were on trial.

Finally we ask, “What is her legacy?” It is because of Effie Lee’s legacy that we are all here today. We are here to honor a woman who did such good work in this world that her influence will be felt for generations to come.

Just a few years ago, Effie Lee showed up for the annual lecture in her honor in high heels. When someone asked, “Effie, where did you get those shoes?” she answered, “I’m not telling because I don’t want anyone else to have these shoes!” In a city of unique individuals, Effie Lee Morris stood out as a true original.

Thank you so much for organizing this event, and thank you for allowing the Women’s National Book Association to have a voice in honoring our founder, our colleague, and our friend.”