TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – The City of Tallahassee celebrated becoming possibly just the second in the nation to rename a street in honor of Reverend Jesse Jackson.
Jackson, who died in February, visited Tallahassee many times for civil rights protests and get out to vote rallies.
He also preached at Bethel Missionary Baptist Church where city and faith leaders gathered Tuesday to unveil the new street sign.
“There’s a man who instilled in so many young people and others that I am somebody. Regardless of where you start in life, you can finish strong and to believe in democracy,” the church’s pastor Reverend R.B. Holmes said. “So, if people see Jesse Jackson Street, remember democracy. It’s important and all of us make our democracy stronger and better.”
Tallahassee street renamed in honor of Reverend Jesse Jackson(Julie Montanro/WCTV)
City crews put up new street signs on Tuesday along what used to be West Carolina Street.
The stretch from Adams Street to Copeland Street is now Reverend Jesse Jackson Street, which, fittingly, crosses Martin Luther King Blvd.
“He was here quite often to help and support us, but more importantly we will never forget that he was right there with Martin Luther King fighting for justice, fighting for our rights, making it possible for all of us to have the power to vote,” said Tallahassee Urban League president Curtis Taylor.
Tallahassee Mayor John Dailey says the capital city is just the second in the nation to rename a street after Reverend Jesse Jackson. The other, he said, is Jackson’s hometown of Greenville, South Carolina.
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