Atlanta City Council approves legislation to rename street + park for former Mayor Shirley Franklin, city’s first African American woman to serve

ATLANTA — The City of Atlanta is honoring Shirley Clarke Franklin, the first African American woman to serve as mayor of the city, as Black History Month 2025 kicks off.    

On Monday, Feb. 3, the Atlanta City Council unanimously passed two ordinances to pay tribute to Franklin’s legacy.  Central Avenue was renamed  “Shirley Clarke Franklin Boulevard” (24-O-1617) and Westside Reservoir Park was renamed “Shirley Clarke Franklin Park” (24-O-1622) as recommended by the Council commission to honor the 58th Mayor of the City of Atlanta.

Franklin, who served two terms, was the first African American woman to serve as mayor of a major city in the modern South.

During her tenure, Mayor Franklin led the efforts for the Atlanta BeltLine project and investment ventures for improvements to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. She also championed developments for city parks, affordable housing, water infrastructure projects, and led the acquisition of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s personal papers.

Several members of the Atlanta City Council praised Franklin for her groundbreaking leadership: 

“Renaming Central Avenue and Westside Reservoir Park after former Mayor Shirley Franklin is a testament to her enduring legacy and profound impact on Atlanta. As someone who witnessed her leadership firsthand, I can attest to her firmness, fairness, and boldness in tackling difficult issues. Mayor Franklin’s contributions to Atlanta are immeasurable. 

She pioneered our urban landscape and consistently mentored our youth, creating opportunities that continue to shape lives. Her influence extends beyond our city, resonating throughout the nation. It’s with great pride that we permanently weave Mayor Franklin’s name into the fabric of Atlanta. This honor serves as a constant reminder of her visionary leadership, unwavering commitment to public service, and the positive impact she’s had on generations of Atlantans.

This well-deserved recognition will inspire future leaders and stand as validation of Mayor Franklin’s transformative work. Congratulations, Mayor Franklin, on this fitting tribute to your remarkable legacy,” said District 10 Council member Andrea Boone.

“Mayor Shirley Franklin is an influential leader and her transformative role in becoming the first female mayor of a major southern city played a pivotal role in our city’s growth and revitalization. As a member of the commission that fostered the recommendations, we are excited to approve legislation that commemorates Mayor Franklin’s dedication to the city of Atlanta and its residents. She led efforts to enhance Atlanta’s infrastructure, foster community engagement, and shape the city’s future. The ordinances reflect the importance of the Atlanta City Council’s continued efforts to honor and recognize our leaders,” said District 11 Council member Marci Collier Overstreet.

“I met Mayor Franklin when, as a politically interested 8th grader, I walked into the opening of her campaign headquarters in August 2001. And over the quarter century since, have been one of the literally countless folks to benefit from her sage advice, wise counsel, intentional mentorship, and friendship. Not a stitch of Atlanta history over the last 50 years has happened without her helping mold it,” said Post 2 At-Large Matt Westmoreland.

“With the passing of the ordinances we honor the incredible legacy of our former mayor, Shirley Clarke Franklin. The recognition is a tribute to her vision and leadership. She guided several critical investments and projects in our city that propelled Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, expanded our parks, and renewed our commitment to the city’s water treatment initiatives. It is because of Mayor Franklin’s dedication and commitment to Atlanta that we have progressed through the last three decades. To rename these locations will serve as a reminder of her contributions to Atlanta’s future,” said District 4 Council member Jason Dozier.

“We honor the legacy of a visionary leader, former Mayor Shirley Franklin, by renaming Westside Park to Shirley Clarke Franklin Park. Her determination and foresight, for acquiring the land and quarry in order to transform this area into both a beloved park and a critical water supply, laid the foundation for a brighter, more sustainable Atlanta. This park is not just a space for recreation—it is a testament to Mayor Franklin’s leadership, her commitment to our city’s future, and the resilience of the people she served. I am proud to stand with my fellow Council members and Mayor Dickens in ensuring her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come,” said District 9 Council member Dustin Hillis.

Former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin , recognized around the metro region, is presented an honorary key to the City of Stonecrest . The event  marked Stonecrest Mayor Jazzmin Cobble’s first State of the City address in 2023. Photo by Glenn L. Morgan/ocgnews.com