Politics & Government
Hundreds Celebrate Xernona Clayton Way
A portion of Baker Street is now Xernona Clayton Way; New plaza also built in honor of media pioneer.
“She is one who has lived three lifetimes in one lifetime,” Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed said Tuesday, at the dedication ceremonies of Xernona Clayton Way and Xernona Clayton Plaza in downtown Atlanta.
The mayor was joined by Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle, members of the Atlanta City Council, elected officials and hundreds of community and civic leaders at Baker and Peachtree Streets to unveil the new street marker and honor Clayton, the first African-American female to host a prime-time television program in the South.
“She has been a tireless advocate for social and economic justice here and abroad,” Reed said. “In recognition of her lifelong contributions to the city, I am delighted that the leadership and dedication she has shown throughout her life of service will now be a permanent part of Atlanta’s historical tapestry.”
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At the recommendation of a city commission established to determine an appropriate way to honor Clayton, the Atlanta City Council approved an ordinance dedicating Baker and Peachtree as “Xernona Clayton Way.”
The honorary street sign unveiling was followed by the dedication of the Xernona Clayton Plaza in downtown Atlanta’s Hardy Ivy Park, where officials revealed a plaque commemorating Clayton’s lasting legacy in civil rights and broadcast journalism.
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“I said I wasn't going to cry today,” said Clayton, a longtime southwest Atlanta resident. “But when I looked up and saw my name on that street sign it was hard to hold back the tears. I am extremely honored by this gesture by the Mayor and the City Council.”
The founder and president of the Trumpet Awards Foundation added that she plans to use the park to honor other persons who have made significant contributions to Atlanta and to society in general.
Clayton is only the second woman and the first African-American woman to have a downtown street named after her, following legendary author Margaret Mitchell.
The former Turner Broadcasting vice president was an official with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference during the years of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In 1967, she became the first African-American to have her own television show. Clayton also founded the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame in Atlanta.