The City of Peoria announced on Apr. 8 that it will hold an honorary street naming ceremony at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, April 15, at Dr. C.T. Vivian Primary School to celebrate the life and legacy of the late Civil Rights Movement leader Dr. C.T. Vivian.
The event will dedicate a portion of Florence Avenue at Sheridan Road, near the primary school named after Dr. Vivian, as “Dr. C.T Vivian Avenue.” This dedication aims to recognize Dr. Vivian’s contributions to the Civil Rights Movement and his connection to Peoria, where he began his professional career as recreation director at the George Washington Carver Community Center.
Dr. Vivian was known nationally as a Civil Rights leader, author, and minister who played a key role in the Freedom Rides during the 1960s and worked throughout his life for racial equality through nonviolent action. He also helped establish several Civil Rights organizations across the country and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama in 2013.
Mayor Rita Ali, Second District Councilman Alex Carmona, and Fourth District Councilman Andre Allen are scheduled to speak at the ceremony about Dr. Vivian’s humanitarian work and impact on civil rights.
The public is invited to attend both the unveiling of “Dr. C.T Vivian Avenue” at W. Florence Avenue and N. Sheridan Road and participate in honoring Dr. Vivian’s enduring legacy.
