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Governor Steve Beshear's Communications Office
Governor Beshear unveils new highway sign honoring Georgia Davis Powers
Section of I-264 designated to bear name of pioneering legislator, community leader
LOUISVILLE, Ky.—Gov. Steve Beshear, joined by Louisville-area legislators and community leaders, today unveiled a new highway sign that pays tribute to Georgia Davis Powers, the first African-American in the Kentucky Senate.
New signs will designate a 7.5-mile section of Interstate 264 in western Louisville as the Georgia Davis Powers Expressway.
“It’s fitting that we name a major roadway for Georgia Powers because she has always been a trailblazer,” Gov. Beshear said. “Georgia spent her entire career building roads – and bridges – of a different kind. She built connectors for this community and, indeed, for the entire Commonwealth.”
Powers had already established herself as a leader of Kentucky’s civil rights movement at the time of her election to the Senate in 1967. As a senator, she continued to push civil rights legislation and was an outspoken advocate for working men and women. She served 21 years in the Senate, retiring at the end of 1988.
Designation of a Georgia Davis Powers Expressway was provided for under House Joint Resolution 67, of the 2010 General Assembly.
“On behalf of a grateful Commonwealth, I am happy we are able to share this honor with Senator Powers while she and her family are able to smell these flowers of appreciation, and see for themselves the high esteem she is held in,” Rep. Reginald Meeks, of Louisville, said. “The Senator Georgia Davis Powers Expressway will give the traveling public from throughout the Nation a sense of our love and respect for her many political, social and civic contributions to our city and to our state. Senator Powers’ name on this roadway will also serve as an inspiration for future generations who are just beginning their own travels in life. They would be well advised to carry a bit of Senator Powers with them on their journey.”
Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson said Powers has helped to inspire an entire generation. “Georgia is one of the most courageous people in this community, and she proved through a long legislative career to be as determined and persistent as she is courageous,” Mayor Abramson said.
“It is not often that an individual is acknowledged in this fashion in her lifetime. It just demonstrates a community and a state that not only recognizes her great achievements on all of our behalf, but also underscores the power and relevance of her contributions, which will resonate as her legacy,” said Sen. Gerald Neal, of Louisville. “I take personal joy as well as my Senate colleagues and all the goodwill throughout the state in congratulating my friend – our friend – Senator Powers.”
“Georgia has been a mentor of mine; I started my public service while working with her on significant issues for our community and got involved with politics as I cut my teeth during her campaigns,” Rep. Darryl Owens, of Louisville said. “I’m just glad that Reggie let me share his dream of recognizing her accomplishments by allowing me to co-sponsor his legislation that helped to lead to this honor.”
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