TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – A Tallahassee icon is receiving a permanent honor for nearly five decades of service to the community.
The Tallahassee City Commission unanimously approved renaming Central Street from Old Bainbridge Road to W. 4th Avenue to Reverend Dr. Ernest Ferrell Street.
Ferrell was born and raised just outside the capital city, graduating from the original Lincoln High School in 1962.
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He broke barriers in 1963 as the first Black cashier employed by Winn-Dixie in Tallahassee. After serving in the U.S> Army, he graduated from Florida A&M University and took the help of the Tallahassee Urban League.
He led the organization as president and CEO for 48 years, transforming it into a vital community institution.
“It feels good to know that this city where I grew up at, and was around for the good, the bad and the indifferent, that for now, they have some favor to allow me to have a street in my name is phenomenal. I’m grateful,” Ferrell said.
Ferrell has also pastored Saint Mary Primitive Baptist Church since 1992 and operated three local businesses.
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