Council members to seek honorary street name for Nelson Mandela

Milwaukee Common Council members Joe Davis, Sr., Willie C. Wade and Russell W. Stamper, II will propose naming W. Fond du Lac Ave. from W. Walnut St. to N. 68th St. “Nelson Mandela Way” in honor of the late Nobel Peace Prize winner and former South African President.

The city’s honorary street naming program allows for the Common Council to consider for approval designating stretches of city streets in the name of an individual. The designation does not actually change the name of the street, but instead authorizes the installation of small signs with the honorary street name under the established street signs.

Alderman Davis, South Africa Honorary Consul for Wisconsin, said it is an honor for him and his colleagues to propose the street naming in honor of Nelson Mandela. “Madiba was an overwhelming positive change agent who connected with people across the world, and it is fitting that ‘Mandela Way’ could also connect Milwaukee’s African- American community together in harmony,” he said.

“Today (July 18) is Madiba’s birthday, and it is an honor to make this announcement on such a beautiful summer day,” Alderman Davis said.

Alderman Davis said the Pan African Community Association (PACA) has stepped forward as the non-profit that would receive donations for the signage, and that the South Africa Embassy and the Nelson Mandela Foundation has been contacted with the full support of the SA Embassy and the South African Consulate in Chicago.

Nelson Mandela passed away on December 5, 2013, and a legacy celebration was held in his honor at Milwaukee Public Library’s Centennial Hall (downtown Central Library) on December 18, 2013.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.

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