Shirley C. Franklin, Atlanta’s first Black woman mayor, now has a street and park named after her.
The city of Atlanta is honoring former Mayor Shirley C. Franklin.
Shirley C. Franklin, Atlanta’s first Black woman mayor, was honored with a street and park named after her. The Atlanta City Council posted the celebration on its YouTube page. The street, previously part of Central Avenue, is now Shirley Clarke Franklin Boulevard S.W., and Westside Reservoir Park has been renamed Shirley Clarke Franklin Park.
A distinguished group of guests came together to honor the city’s 58th mayor and trailblazer. Key figures from Atlanta, including Mayor Andre Dickens, former Mayor Andrew Young, and news anchor Fred Blankenship, shared their thoughts. Robert Franklin Jr., president of Morehouse College, praised the former mayor for her service and offered a brief prayer for her and those who will travel on her street.
“Her service has been outstanding, her determination unwavering, and her love for all Atlantans truly inspiring,” Franklin Jr. said. “May everyone who walks this path learn from her remarkable contributions and become better citizens. May all who pass through here feel her powerful spirit of humility, service, and community. May the wings of the phoenix spread wide over this boulevard, turning this familiar road into sacred ground.”
The acquisition of the former Westside Reservoir Park was one of Franklin’s greatest accomplishments during her time in office. As part of her “Clean Water Atlanta initiative,” the park now serves as Atlanta’s emergency drinking water supply. She is also praised for launching the Atlanta BeltLine, which has become a hub for small businesses.
At the ceremony, Franklin spoke with humility, explaining that it was her vision that drove her and stressing that seeking validation and recognition brings little true reward.
“I learned long ago that you don’t do the work for accolades or recognition. You do it because you love the work, love the people, and are inspired by a vision,” Franklin said.
Franklin shattered barriers for Black women in Atlanta with her election as mayor, setting the standard for giving back to one of the South’s most influential cities. At 79 years old, she is finally receiving the recognition she deserves. Kudos to the city of Atlanta for honoring its hometown icon.
I learned long ago that you don’t do the work for accolades or recognition. You do it because you love the work, love the people, and are inspired by a vision,” Franklin said.
Franklin shattered barriers for Black women in Atlanta with her election as mayor, setting the standard for giving back to one of the South’s most influential cities. At 79 years old, she is finally receiving the recognition she deserves. Kudos to the city of Atlanta for honoring its hometown icon.
