New Street Sign In Newport News Honors Former Mayor Price

By Rosaland Tyler
Associate Editor
New Journal and Guide

Former Newport News Mayor Dr. McKinley Price’s name now graces a newly installed sign at the intersection of 29th Street and Orcutt Avenue.

On Oct. 3 at 1 p.m., reporters, photographers and well-wishers watched as the commemorative street sign was unveiled. The corner is now named Dr. McKinley Price Way.

“I had no idea anything would be this magnificent to happen to me in my life,” said Price, who served as mayor from 2010-2022. “Orcutt Avenue has a lot of historic meaning for me. I’m happy that the city decided to do this, and I’m very honored.”

Price is a Newport News native and a veteran, who finished Hampton University and enrolled at Howard University, graduating in 1976. Following a residency in general anesthesia at Provident Hospital in Baltimore, he returned home and established a dental practice. He served as the first Black president of the Peninsula Dental Society. He was also named “Dentist of the Year” by the Old Dominion Dental Society.

From 1984 to 1992, Price served on the Newport News School Board, including two years as chair.

In 2004, he was appointed to the Newport News City Council. Just six years later, he made history again as the city’s second elected mayor.

He chaired the Riverside Health System Foundation and served on its board. Price also led the board of Thomas Nelson Community College, now Virginia Peninsula Community College, and was appointed to the Virginia Economic Development Partnership Board by the governor.

He has received many awards including the President’s Humanitarian Award from the Virginia Peninsula Chapter of 100 Black Men, the Presidential Citizenship Award from Hampton University, and numerous “Citizen of the Year” awards.

State Delegate Marcia “Cia” Price, his daughter attended the event. Price said his wife would have enjoyed the event. His wife, Valerie Scott Price, an educator and civic leader, passed on March 11, 2025, at their home in Newport News, according to her obituary.

“This is a significant part of my legacy, and I’m happy, and I know she is too,” Price said.