San Diego Bids Farewell to Leader Who Was Guided by Biblical Values
by James L. Lambert
October 27, 2006
(AgapePress) - - On Monday (October 16) a servant of God died and went home to be with the Lord. Although not known nationally, George L. Stevens was a man of courage and principle -- and a true ambassador for Christ.
Stevens' life began in humble surroundings in Junction City, Louisiana, in 1932. He was the only child of Couch and Margaret Stevens, and served in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1955. In 1958 he graduated from San Diego State University, receiving a degree in education. Later in 1970, he obtained his teaching credentials in African-American studies. In 1972, Stevens felt called into the ministry and worked under the leadership of the late Dr. S.M. Lockridge. Stevens accepted Christ at an early age but it was his entrance into the ministry that solidified the principles he later demonstrated in public life.
Stevens ran for San Diego City Council twice, being elected on the second try in 1991. Immediately his voice became a moral guiding light in a political arena that is often a moral vacuum. Rev. George Walker Smith, a longtime community leader and local civil rights icon, offered this tribute in an interview with the San Diego Union Tribune. "George, as much as any public servant, fought for the people -- not just for those in his district .... He's always been a fighter for others."
Stevens, who was affiliated with the Democratic Party, was deeply committed to biblical values -- a stance that sometimes resulted in disagreements with his peers. In the late 1990s, for example, he aided local anti-pornography advocates by serving as city advocate to enforce various zoning regulations against the local sex/adult entertainment industry. He was the only representative from his political party to join conservatives in a press conference to criticize national radio talk-show host Howard Stern concerning some of his on-air, over-the-top comments on sexuality.
In 2000, several of Steven's colleagues vigorously objected to Proposition 22, a state initiative -- eventually approved by the state's voters -- defining marriage as a union between a man and a woman. Stevens consistently defended traditional marriage, even in the face of strong protests from the local homosexual community. When he was near the end of his term, several homosexual activists vigorously criticized Stevens in the council chambers. Even in the face of this type of strong opposition, forced to defy his own party, Stevens held true to his core beliefs.
Stevens was an extraordinary politician. Even before he served as deputy mayor and city councilman representing the 4th District, he held true to his beliefs. In the mid-1980s, he strongly criticized the banking community for not getting more involved in redevelopment in his district. His activism helped prod the local banking community to become more involved in District #4. He was also a strong civil rights advocate and regularly defended the poor and disadvantaged in San Diego.
In Steven's memorial service held on Tuesday (October 24), family friend Cleo Russell shared with the almost 2,000 people in attendance how Stevens "loved his church and loved listening to the songs of praise from its choir." The Mount Erie sanctuary choir followed with several inspirational gospel songs. Russell described how "George was created for the glory of God."
Certainly many young people in his district would strongly agree. Stevens set up a foundation in 1992 to help inner-city kids obtain a college education. His legacy will be a lasting one in San Diego.
Stevens is survived by his wife, Brenda; three sons: Gary, Eric, Marcus; and a daughter, Michelle Buchanan.
James L. Lambert, a frequent contributor to AgapePress, is the author of Porn in America (Huntington House), which can be purchased through the American Family Association. He is a licensed real-estate mortgage loan sales agent and can be contacted through his website.
