George Stevens

George Luther Stevens (February 6, 1932 – October 15, 2006) was an American Baptist minister, civil rights activist, and politician who served as a member of the San Diego City Council. He was a Democrat, although city council positions are officially nonpartisan per California state law.

Early life and education George Luther Stevens was born in Junction City, Louisiana and grew up poor. When he was 13, he and his family moved to El Centro, California. He moved to San Diego in the 1950s. As councilman he lobbied hard to bring public and private amenities for his district, which he believed had been neglected by the city for years. Resulting facilities in his district included the Malcolm X Library, Tubman-Chavez Multicultural Center, and an apprenticeship center for the Black Contractors Association.

After retiring from the City Council, he ran for California State Assembly in 2002, but lost in the Democratic primary to Vince Hall. After the election he went to work for Republican Assemblywoman Shirley Horton, who had defeated Hall in the general election. He continued working for Horton until a few days before his death on October 15, 2006.

Personal life He and his wife Brenda had a daughter and three sons.

Recognition The George L. Stevens Senior Center in Encanto is named for him.