Photos by Tevin Stinson
BY TEVIN STINSON
THE CHRONICLE
Last weekend Mayor Allen Joines unveiled a street marker renaming Liberia Street in honor of the first elected female head of state in Africa, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.
During the ceremony held in the Happy Hill neighborhood on the corner of Alder Street, Sirleaf, who was elected president of Liberia in 2006 and re-elected in 2011, was on hand as Joines read a proclamation officially renaming the street. While reading the proclamation, Joines noted, “Whereas President Sirleaf is the world’s first elected black female President and Africa’s head of state, she is a strong advocate for the advancement of life.
“She is a true definition of freedom, justice and equality for all people of Liberia,” he said.
After receiving the proclamation and greeting more than 50 residents who attended the ceremony Saturday morning, Sirleaf said although she has asked the people of Liberia to hold of renaming things in her honor until she is out of office, she was pleased to see Liberia Street renamed President Sirleaf Lane.
“Since it’s not at home, I am pleased to accept it,” she laughed. “This is not only a honor for me, but also it’s a honor for the Liberian people.”
To wrap up the historic event, president of the Liberian Organization of the Piedmont James Hurder announced that a dormitory for Liberian students who attend local colleges and universities will be coming to the Happy Hill neighbor-hood. According to Hurder, the dormitory will be able to house 20 students and will include office space as well.
“Today is a great day,” Hurder said.
During her visit to the city, Sirleaf also visited with various other elected officials and members of the community. She also visited the campus of Winston-Salem State University.