Annette Strauss facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Annette Strauss
54th Mayor of Dallas
In office May 4, 1987 – December 2, 1991
Preceded by	Starke Taylor
Succeeded by	Steve Bartlett
Personal details
Born	Annette Louise Greenfield (1924-01-26)January 26, 1924 Houston, Texas, U.S.
Died	December 14, 1998(1998-12-14) (aged 74)
Resting place	Sparkman-Hillcrest Memorial Park Cemetery
Spouse	Ted Strauss
Relations	Robert S. Strauss (brother-in-law)
Alma mater	University of Texas at Austin (BA) Columbia University

Annette Louise Greenfield Strauss (January 26, 1924 – December 14, 1998) was an important American leader. She was a kind person who helped many charities. She also served as the 54th Mayor of Dallas, Texas.

Annette Strauss was the second woman to be mayor of Dallas. She was also the first woman to be elected to the job by the people. The Annette Strauss Artist Square in downtown Dallas is named after her. It is a special place for outdoor performances.

Life and Early Years

Annette Strauss was born in Houston, Texas. She went to the University of Texas at Austin and graduated in 1944. Later, she moved to New York City. There, she earned two master's degrees from Columbia University. She studied how people behave and think.

In 1946, she married Ted Strauss. The next year, they moved to Dallas.

Helping the Community

During the 1960s and 1970s, Annette Strauss worked very hard. She raised money for many different charities. She also volunteered her time to help others. She supported groups like the Dallas Symphony and the United Way of America. She also helped the Dallas Black Dance Theatre.

Her efforts helped raise millions of dollars for the arts in Dallas. She was also one of the people who started the Volunteer Center of North Texas. This center helps connect volunteers with organizations that need help.

Becoming Mayor

Annette Strauss used her many connections in Dallas to get involved in politics. In 1983, she was elected to the Dallas City Council. She quickly became a leader on the council.

In 1987, she decided to run for mayor of Dallas. She won the election with 56 percent of the votes. This made her the first woman to be elected mayor of Dallas.

Leading Dallas Through Challenges

While she was mayor, Dallas faced tough economic times. Annette Strauss worked to guide the city through these challenges.

She also helped create a special place for families without homes. It was called the Downtown Family Shelter. This shelter allowed homeless families to stay together. It offered private rooms, food, and clothing. It also provided childcare and help with finding jobs.

In 2000, the shelter was renamed the Annette G. Strauss Family Gateway Center. Today, it is known as Family Gateway. It continues to help homeless families find hope and build better futures.

After Being Mayor

Annette Strauss left her job as mayor in 1991. After that, she continued to help many groups. She worked as a consultant and served on boards for hospitals and foundations.

She was also given an honorary title. She became "Ambassador-at-large" for the city of Dallas. This meant she continued to represent the city. She held this special position until she passed away in 1998. She was buried in Sparkman-Hillcrest Memorial Park Cemetery.

Awards and Recognition

In 1995, Annette Strauss received the H. Neil Mallon Award. This award is given by the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth. It honors people who help promote Dallas's international connections. The award supports programs that teach about global issues.

Legacy

Annette Strauss is remembered for her many years of service. Several important places are named after her. These include:

• The Annette G. Strauss Family Gateway Center, which helps homeless families.
• The Annette Strauss Institute for Civic Life at the University of Texas at Austin. This institute teaches people about getting involved in their communities.
• The Annette Strauss Artist Square in downtown Dallas. This is an outdoor area for concerts and performances.

Annette Strauss's work helped make Dallas a better place for everyone.

Images for kids

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  Annette Strauss, 54th Mayor of Dallas, Texas.