Former President Barack Obama is now a permanent part of the Southern California landscape, as Los Angeles renamed one of its well-known streets as a way of paying homage to the beloved dignitary.
During an official ceremony on Saturday that included the mayor, members of the city council and other L.A. officials, denizens witnessed as a 3.5 mile stretch of Rodeo Boulevard was named “President Barack Obama Boulevard,” or “Obama Boulevard” for short.
What a proud day for L.A.! This boulevard that connects our city is now named for one of the greatest presidents that this nation has ever seen. #ObamaBlvd pic.twitter.com/S0JPuS66fl
— Mayor Karen Bass (@MayorOfLA) May 5, 2019
The 44th and first African American president in U.S. history was not in attendance at the multifaceted event that included a concert.
Herb Wesson, the City Council president noted that the location was geographically significant, as it was located near the site of one of the former president’s campaign rallies in 2007.
Here with CM @HerbJWesson, Sup. @MRidleyThomas, Rep. @MariaEDurazo and the @LAUrbanLeague for #ObamaFestLA to name #ObamaBlvd and etch President Obama’s name and legacy even deeper in our city’s story. pic.twitter.com/opinsPUAx0
— Mayor Karen Bass (@MayorOfLA) May 5, 2019
“With this change, we are publicly documenting what Obama’s legacy as our nation’s first [Black] President means to our city and our South Los Angeles community.
“For every child who will drive down this street and see the President’s name, this will serve as a physical reminder that no goal is out of reach and that no dream is too big,” Wesson added.
Below, the L.A. mayor Eric Garcetti gives a very eloquent and powerful explanation as to why Rodeo Blvd. has been forever been renamed “President Barack Obama Boulevard.”
