Portsmouth Honors Sen. Lucas By Renaming A Street Sign

By Randy Singleton
Community Affairs Correspondent
New Journal and Guide

PORTSMOUTH

The city of Portsmouth honored its longtime hometown legislator State Senator L. Louise Lucas on Saturday (September 28) by renaming a street near the casino, whose construction she championed, L. Louise Lucas Drive.

The former street, TCC Drive, was the site of the ceremony which featured Portsmouth high school bands and a host of local and state politicians, community activists, and faith leaders. Senator Lucas is the first woman and African-American to serve as President Pro Tempore of the Virginia Senate.

Sitting next to Lucas during the ceremony were her friend and General Assembly colleague State Senator Mamie Locke, former Governor of Virginia Terry McAuliffe, and Congressman Bobby Scott. The effort to rename the street in Lucas’ honor was spearheaded by Portsmouth community activist Barry Randall. Portsmouth Vice Mayor Lisa Lucas Burke, the daughter of Sen. Lucas, read a proclamation from the city council acknowledging the street renaming honor. 

Congratulatory remarks were rendered by Tidewater Community College president Dr. Marcia Conston, State Senator Mamie Locke, former Governor of Virginia Terry McAuliffe, Rev. Milton Blount, and Congressman Bobby Scott. At the end of the program, Sen. Lucas and her daughter, Lisa Lucas Burke, pulled back a Black cloth to reveal a new street sign that bore her name and cemented her legacy in the city.

Senator Lucas thanked the large group of citizens who came to the ceremony and she reiterated that her fight in the General Assembly continues for toll relief and reproductive rights. Senator Lucas took pictures for the media and with her supporters after the ceremony.