Atlanta, often hailed as the birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement, weaves its rich history into the very fabric of its urban landscape.
Street names across the city serve as enduring tributes to the individuals who shaped not only Atlanta but the nation through their courage, activism, and leadership.
Atlanta’s Streets: Echoes of History and Heroes
Many of these renamings, particularly in recent decades, have replaced older designations—some tied to Confederate figures—with honors for civil rights pioneers.
This shift reflects Atlanta’s commitment to acknowledging its past while celebrating progress. From lawyers who challenged segregation in courts to activists who marched for equality, these streets remind residents and visitors alike of the ongoing journey toward justice.
Martin Luther King Jr. Drive
No discussion of Atlanta’s historic street names would be complete without Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, a major artery renamed in 1976 from Hunter Street to honor the Nobel Peace Prize-winning leader.
This renaming was part of a broader national trend, with Georgia leading the way in dedicating roads to King—over 75 as of the early 2000s.
Where is MLK JR. Drive in Atlanta?
Running through the heart of the city’s west side, MLK Drive passes by significant sites like the King Center and Ebenezer Baptist Church, where Dr. King preached.
The drive symbolizes nonviolent resistance and the dream of equality that continues to inspire.
Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard
Nearby, Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard pays homage to Reverend Ralph David Abernathy, a close confidant and successor to Dr. King in the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC).
Often called King’s “right-hand man,” Abernathy’s leadership extended the movement’s reach, making this street a fitting memorial. This boulevard in Atlanta’s West End neighborhood recognizes Abernathy’s role in key events like the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the Selma to Montgomery marches.
Where is Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard in Atlanta?
Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard runs east-west through areas including Westview, West End, Adair Park, and Pittsburgh. It is a major thoroughfare in southwest Atlanta, running through neighborhoods like West End, Westview, Adair Park, and Mechanicsville.
Renamed from Gordon Street in 1991, it stretches toward downtown, eventually turning into Georgia Avenue. It is a key connector for the Atlanta Beltline Westside Trail.
Hosea Williams Drive
Hosea Williams (1926–2000) was a prominent American civil rights leader, minister, and politician, known as a key organizer and lieutenant for Martin Luther King, Jr. within the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC).
He was a tireless nonviolent activist, famous for leading the “Bloody Sunday” march in Selma, Alabama, and later became a Georgia State Representative, an Atlanta City Council member, and the founder of Hosea Feed the Hungry and Homeless.
Where is Hosea L. Williams Drive in Atlanta?
Hosea L. Williams Drive SE (formerly part of other street names) is a major thoroughfare in Atlanta, particularly in the Kirkwood neighborhood (zip code 30317). It runs through Southeast Atlanta, with notable intersections such as Howard St SE and 2nd Ave.
Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway
Donald Lee Hollowell (1917–2004) was a prominent American civil rights attorney based in Atlanta who served as the chief counsel for civil rights protesters in Georgia during the 1950s and 1960s. He is best known for desegregating the University of Georgia, defending Martin Luther King Jr., and mentoring younger civil rights lawyers. Some other accomplishments:
- Known as Georgia’s chief civil rights attorney during the 1950s and 60s, he defended activists, fought to overturn segregation laws, and defended Black men in a racially biased legal system.
- Landmark Cases: He successfully litigated Holmes v. Danner (1961), which forced the desegregation of the University of Georgia. He also secured the release of Martin Luther King Jr. from Reidsville State Prison in 1960.
- Key Victories: His legal work integrated Atlanta public schools, public transit, and led to the admission of Black doctors at Grady Hospital.
- Public Service: In 1966, he was appointed by President Lyndon B. Johnson as the first Black regional director of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
Where is Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway in Atlanta?
The NW parkway (formerly Bankhead Highway) runs through Northwest Atlanta (30318), extending from near the city center out to I-285. It serves as the northern boundary of the English Avenue neighborhood, passing through areas like Collier Heights and near the Marietta Blvd intersection.
Joseph E. Boone Boulevard
Joseph E. Boone Boulevard, named for the civil rights organizer who led desegregation efforts in Atlanta’s businesses during the 1960s.
Boone was pastor at Rush Memorial Congregational Church in Atlanta. He was also a pivotal member of the Atlanta Movement and chief negotiator for Operation Breadbasket, the economic development area of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC).
Where is Joseph E. Boone Boulevard?
Joseph E. Boone Boulevard is located in Northwest (NW) Atlanta, running through the historic Westside neighborhoods of Vine City, English Avenue, and Grove Park. Formerly named Simpson Road, it was renamed in 2008 to honor civil rights leader Reverend Joseph E. Boone.
John Wesley Dobbs Avenue
John Wesley Dobbs Avenue honors the “unofficial Mayor of Auburn Avenue,” a postal worker turned influential civic leader who advocated for Black voter registration and education.
Dobbs died on August 30, 1961, the very day Atlanta’s schools were desegregated, leaving a legacy of fighting for equality through political organization. He was the grandfather of Maynard Jackson Jr., who became Atlanta’s first Black mayor and later renamed Houston Street to John Wesley Dobbs Avenue in his honor.
Key Contributions and Life:
- Voter Empowerment: He strongly believed in the power of the ballot, organizing, and pushing for political change, which led to the hiring of the first eight Black police officers in Atlanta in 1948.
- “Sweet Auburn” Leader: As Grand Master of the Prince Hall Masons of Georgia (1932–1961), he was a central figure on Auburn Avenue, which was the heart of Black business and culture in Atlanta.
- Civil Rights & Influence: He was a, influential leader who advised politicians and helped desegregate public services. He famously coined the term “Sweet Auburn” for the thriving business district.
Where is John Wesley Dobbs Avenue?
John Wesley Dobbs Avenue NE is located in Atlanta, Georgia (ZIP codes 30303 and 30312), running through the downtown and Old Fourth Ward neighborhoods near the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park. Formerly known as Houston Street, it was renamed in 1994 in honor of the civil rights leader, stretching near landmarks like the Georgia Pacific Building and Auburn Avenue.
Jesse Hill Jr. Drive
Jesse Hill Jr. Drive, named so in 2001, recognizes the insurance executive and activist who helped integrate Atlanta’s hospitals and schools.
Key Contributions and Roles:
- Civil Rights & Political Influence: Hill was a key advisor to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Maynard Jackson, and Andrew Young, acting as a bridge builder between the Black community and white business leadership. He helped secure bail money for protesters and organized efforts to desegregate Georgia institutions.
- Business Leadership: As president of Atlanta Life Insurance Company (1973–1992), he managed one of the nation’s largest Black-owned businesses, promoting economic empowerment.
- Civic Impact: He was the first Black president of the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce (1977), a founder of the Atlanta Inquirer, and key to bringing the 1996 Olympic Games to Atlanta.
Where Is Jesse Hill Drive in Atlanta?
Jesse Hill Jr. Drive is located in Downtown Atlanta, Georgia, near the intersection of I-75/85 and just east of the Georgia State Capitol. The road, which runs as both NE and SE, passes key landmarks including Grady Memorial Hospital, the Fulton County Health Department, and the Georgia State University “K” Deck.
Joseph E. Lowery Boulevard
And Joseph E. Lowery Boulevard pays tribute to Reverend Joseph E. Lowery (1921–2020), dubbed the “Dean of the Civil Rights Movement,” for his work with the SCLC and beyond.
Lowery co-founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., serving as president from 1977 to 1997.
Where is Joseph E. Lowery Boulevard in Atlanta?
Joseph E. Lowery Boulevard (formerly Ashby Street) is a major north-south connector in West Atlanta, GA (30314, 30310) running between Hollowell Parkway (North) and extending towards the Southwest side. It serves as a connector forSeveral in-town Atlanta neighborhoods.
Arthur Langford Jr.
Arthur Langford Jr. (1949–1994) was a prominent Atlanta city councilor, Georgia State Senator, Baptist minister, and civil rights activist dedicated to uplifting underserved communities.
Elected as one of the youngest city council members at age 23, he established the United Youth Adult Conference to combat violence and, and notably led volunteer efforts during the Atlanta Child Murders crisis.
Where is Arthur B. Langford Jr. Parkway in Atlanta?
Arthur B. Langford Jr. Parkway (State Route 166) is a major east-west freeway located in Southwest Atlanta, Georgia. It runs from I-285 in the west (near Greenbriar Mall) to I-75/I-85 (the Downtown Connector) in the east, connecting areas like Ben, Hill, and East Point.
John Lewis Freedom Parkway
In August 2018, the City of Atlanta officially renamed a major section of Freedom Parkway to John Lewis Freedom Parkway (spanning near Ponce de Leon Ave NE) to honor the late U.S. Congressman and civil rights leader. The thoroughfare serves as a key route to the Carter Center and is marked by significant,,, John Lewis Plaza, where the “The Bridge” sculpture is located.
Where is John Lewis Freedom Parkway in Atlanta?
John Lewis Freedom Parkway is a major east-west, four-lane road in Atlanta, Georgia, running from the Downtown Connector (I-75/I-85) near downtown, through the Old Fourth Ward, and ending near the Carter Center at Ponce de Leon Avenue and Moreland Avenue.
Final Word
These renamings often stem from efforts to erase ties to the Confederacy, with Atlanta’s advisory committees identifying and changing streets like Confederate Avenue to United Avenue in recent years.
More recently, parts of the city honored former Mayor Shirley Franklin by renaming Central Avenue and a park, highlighting ongoing recognition of diverse leaders.
In a city as dynamic as Atlanta, these street names are more than directions—they are lessons in resilience and change. As we navigate them, we honor the historic figures who paved the way, ensuring their stories endure for generations to come.
More from AtlantaFi.com: