'Long overdue': Akron road named for longtime NAACP civil rights leader Ophelia Averitt

During her many years with the national and Akron NAACP, Ophelia Averitt’s fight for civil rights helped transform the city's social and political landscape.

In her decades-long effort, she’s mentored leaders who’ve carried on her fight in local government, business and the NAACP.

She’s recognized nationally for her long commitment and admired locally by legions of supporters who have been positively affected by her influence.

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Averitt was appointed the NAACP national chair of memberships by civil rights leader Julian Bond, and is the only Ohio member of the NAACP National Board of Directors.

On Saturday, the city took note of Averitt’s accomplishments, renaming a stretch of Frederick Boulevard at the intersection of Copley Road in her honor. City Council earlier this month had approved a resolution to do so, and Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan said the honor was well-deserved and about time.

“We had the wherewithal to do it and we had the wisdom (to do it),” he said. “It’s long overdue.”

'We could not thank you enough'

Marco Sommerville, the city’s deputy mayor for intergovernmental affairs, said Averitt continues to mentor people and maintains a fast pace that motivates others.

“She’s up early, she stays late and she’s still driving us around,” he said. “... We love and respect you for all you have done.”

Like Horrigan, Sommerville, a former president of the Akron NAACP, said the honor was long overdue.

Akron City Council President Margo Sommerville said Averitt works tirelessly to improve employment, education, civil rights and voting registration.

Those efforts, she said, are made without seeking personal gain.

“… Ophelia Averitt has reached out to me, never asking once for something for herself,” she said.

Fourth Ward Councilman Russ Neal said Averitt’s building on Ophelia Averitt Lane has historical significance and should be preserved by the city.

“This building she owns is one of the most important buildings in the city of Akron,” he said.

Neal called on city and county leaders to work together to secure the building as an Akron landmark.

Andre Washington, second vice president for the NAACP Ohio Conference, said he wouldn’t have become involved with the organization if not for Averitt.

“If Akron had 1,000 tongues, if Ohio had 1,000 tongues, if (America) had 1,000 tongues, we could not thank you enough,” he said.

'What are we willing to do?'

Judi Hill, president of the Akron NAACP, said Averitt’s example should serve as inspiration to others. She called on those present to follow Averitt's lead.

“Miss Ophelia has dedicated her life to serving this community,” she said. “What are we willing to do?”

Summit County Executive Ilene Shapiro said Averitt’s personal style helped developed close relationships. From her first meeting with Averitt, Shapiro said, the two formed a close bond.

“You are very, very special and you walk with me every day,” Shapiro said.

Residents who attended the ceremony said Averitt had been a strong influence in their lives. Many referred to her with affection as Miss Averitt or Miss Ophelia.

'Greatest civil rights leader'

Darian Johnson, who serves as Averitt’s liaison for governmental matters, said he met the civil rights leader when he was 13, and she immediately set him on a course of self-improvement and growth that continues 18 years later.

“She taught me discipline, how to look out for the community,” he said. “… She is the greatest civil rights leader of our time.”

During the ceremony, Johnson climbed a ladder to unveil the Ophelia Averitt Lane signage.

“She is the reason for everything that I have become,” Johnson said.

Averitt said much of her success comes from remaining focused and humble.

“When you are humble, you can get things done,” she said.

Averitt told those assembled that adopting the right perspective can lead to success.

“My byword is attitude,” she said. “You can get into the White House with the right attitude. Keep the right attitude.”

She said having the street named after her was an honor. Although she retired several years ago, the iconic leader does not reveal her age. She said her successes, including Saturday’s event, resulted from community involvement.

“I’m still on cloud nine,” she said.

Leave a message for Alan Ashworth at 330-996-3859 or email him at aashworth@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @newsalanbeaconj.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Akron road named for legendary civil rights leader Ophelia Averitt