On Thursday, March 27, 2025, Atlanta honored its first female mayor, Shirley Clarke Franklin, by renaming two key landmarks in the city—Central Avenue and Westside Park—to reflect her enduring legacy and contributions to the city’s growth.
The day’s first event marked the renaming of Central Avenue to Shirley Clarke Franklin Boulevard at the corner of Trinity Avenue. The ceremony was attended by Mayor Andre Dickens, Ambassador Andrew J. Young, and several other dignitaries, all of whom reflected on Franklin’s transformative leadership in the city.
Mayor Dickens stated, “This street may now bear your name, but your legacy is the stronger, bolder, progressive Atlanta that I am honored to lead today.” He emphasized Franklin’s role in revitalizing the city’s infrastructure and leaving a mark on the city’s financial and cultural landscape. Under her leadership, Atlanta faced challenges head-on, addressing financial difficulties, overhauling essential city systems, and investing in projects that continue to benefit residents today.
The celebration continued with the renaming of Westside Park to Shirley Clarke Franklin Park, a fitting tribute to Franklin’s vision for transforming the area. Once the site of the Bellwood Quarry, historically tied to exploitative labor practices, the park now stands as a symbol of renewal and growth. Franklin’s leadership in revitalizing this space, which opened in phases starting in 2021, turned a historically charged location into a thriving green space for the community.
“What was once a source of exploitation and division is now a place where the
community gathers and grows together,”Mayor Dickens said, reflecting on the
transformation of the area.
The renaming of Shirley Clarke Franklin Boulevard and Shirley Clarke Franklin Park is a testament to Franklin’s legacy of service and leadership. These landmarks now stand as enduring symbols of her impact on Atlanta, honoring the work she did to shape a more vibrant and connected city for all its residents.