Tallahassee renames street to honor Rev. Jesse Jackson and his civil rights legacy

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — A stretch of Tallahassee roadway now bears the name of the Rev. Jesse Jackson, honoring a civil rights leader with decadeslong ties to the city and a message that local leaders say helped shape generations.

West Carolina Street has been renamed in Jackson’s honor, reflecting what city leaders described as a long history of his visits and advocacy in Tallahassee. The “I am somebody” affirmation associated with Jackson was heard again at Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, where the community gathered to recognize his life’s work for civil rights, equality and access to the ballot box.

“He was one of the first people I heard to say, ‘I am somebody.’ I am somebody. He didn’t whisper it. He was confident in it,” City Commissioner Dianne Williams-Cox said.

Jackson’s connection to Bethel Missionary Baptist Church and Tallahassee dates back decades. He returned repeatedly to speak at churches and college campuses, promoting civil rights and voter participation. Bethel was among the places he visited often.

“Reverend Jesse Jackson stood many, many, many, many times here Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. stood here… And because they stood here, we’re here,” said the Rev. R.B. Holmes of Bethel Missionary Baptist Church.

The Tallahassee City Commission voted 5-0 to rename West Carolina Street from North Adams to South Copeland for Jackson.

“This street naming will forever be a reminder of the impact Reverend Jackson had, not only internationally, not only nationally, not only in the state of Florida, but right here in Tallahassee, right here in our community,” Mayor John Dailey said.

Williams-Cox said the designation also carries symbolic weight because the renamed street intersects with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.

“The naming of this street is historic. But what is also historic is that it intersects with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. So they’re back together here, right here in Tallahassee,” she said.

Jackson’s visits to Tallahassee included a 2016 “Souls to the Polls” walk encouraging voters to participate. City leaders said Tallahassee is the second city in the country to name a street after the Rev. Jesse Jackson.