Sheldon 'Turner' Freeman, gay D.C. librarian and activist, dead at 64

Sheldon "Turner" Freeman, a Black gay man who worked for 39 years in the District of Columbia Public Library system and established racially and LGBTQ-inclusive programming there, has died at age 64.

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Freeman died of a heart attack December 23 at his home in Steelton, Pa., the Washington Blade reports. He had retired from the library system in November 2023 and moved back to Steelton, his hometown.

He became a librarian after earning a bachelor’s degree in communications from Shippensburg University in Pennsylvania and a master’s degree in library science from the University of the District of Columbia. He retired from the D.C. system as adult services librarian.

“As an avid film buff, Turner was one of the first staff members of DCPL’s audiovisual department in the 1980s, now a city-wide collection of DVDs and other media as well as a plethora of online streaming resources,” says a statement from the library system. His achievements included starting a Black History Month film series.

“His weekly movie screenings have been running for more than two decades and are a beloved staple of MLK Library programming that has carried on past his retirement,” the statement continues. “His Black History Month film series is a particularly beloved annual event.”

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He cofounded a group called Book Reading Uplifts His Spirit, centering on works of interest to Black gay and bisexual men. He also was a member of the committee that established DC Black Pride in 1991; it was the first official Black Pride event and remains one of the largest.

Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser sent a statement of condolences to Freeman’s family. “He was a caring friend and colleague whose impactful legacy, vibrancy, and kindness leaves behind an indelible mark on the hearts of many,” the message says, according to the Blade. “Turner was a role model, mentor, sports fan, and unwavering confidant, but above all there was no role more precious to him than that of a family man. Turner’s love for his family was unparalleled, and his presence brought immense joy to his loved ones and to all those who knew him.”

Survivors include his son, Freeman Dane Swan; four sisters; and numerous other relatives and friends. “Turner was a wonderful man who was loved by everyone and will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known him,” says an obituary posted by his family on the Major H. Winfield Funeral Home website.