City of Cleveland unveils new James Carter Sr. Ave sign

On February 24, 2021, an unveiling ceremony for the new street sign was held with the Carter family at the corner of Martin Luther King and James Carter Sr. Ave. A petition from Roscoe Warrick Jr. was submitted to City Council for approval to request the change of the street name from Lilley Avenue to James Carter Sr. Ave. Council took action by approving the request at the January 19, 2021 monthly meeting.

For more than 40 years, Mr. Carter was a prominent fixture on Lilley Ave, he ensured his neighbors had what they needed and their street was clean and orderly. He would make small repairs to his neighbors’ homes to help them out. A leader is one who takes on a cause without having to be asked, and in doing so, they ensure the betterment for all. James Carter was that type of man and this is what he did on Lilley Ave. This name change will forever remind this city, his neighbors, his family, and the community of the man who made sure Lilley Ave was clean, loving and filled with great music.

City council, city staff, family members of Mr. Carter and members of the community attended the unveiling event. Various family and community representatives made speeches about Mr. Carter and all he did for his community.