Slain rapper Young Dolph honored with street name change

Editor's note: The Memphis City Council approved the honorary street name change honoring Young Dolph on Tuesday, Dec. 7.

Memphis Councilman JB Smiley announced he will sponsor a resolution celebrating Young Dolph by naming a street to honor the late rapper.

Young Dolph, who was born Adolph Thornton Jr., was shot and killed at Makeda's Homemade Cookies on Airways Blvd. A public ceremony unveiling the new name for the street will be held on Dec. 15 at 1 p.m. at the intersection of Dunn Avenue and Airways Boulevard, near where the 36-year-old father was shot.

Smiley, who represents Super District 8-1, said the renaming and ceremony is a way for the community to celebrate the life and legacy of Young Dolph as a local and national icon.

"We have a celebrity, a well-known person frequent our city, support our city and give back: We have to celebrate," Smiley said. "Look at this look at the last few hours of his life. He came back to Memphis for a turkey giveaway. He went to a small business to patronize it and to promote it. That's who Young Dolph is," Smiley said. "He is someone who was intentional about the things that he was passionate about, which is supporting small business, which was supporting the city of Memphis and supporting his community."

With the support of Thornton's family, Smiley said that he will introduce the resolution to rename the portion of Dunn Ave between Airways Blvd. and Hays Rd. during a city council meeting Tuesday, Dec.7. He is confident it will pass with the support of his colleagues.

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Thornton's family said in a statement. Thornton understood his responsibility as a role model and leader in Memphis, mentioning his plans to "create pathways for the people of his city."

"Castalia Heights community, in particular, bestowing this honor is not only a way to celebrate his contributions, but it also continues to serve as a remembrance for the people of this community, of someone who made themselves a relatable example of hard work and perseverance," the statement read.

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The name of the street will be unveiled by the family at the ceremony.

"Countries and communities all over the world have been honoring his life with murals and dedications, and these public acts of love are received warmly by our family. But how much more meaningful would it be to have his very own hometown do the same."

Thornton's family held a private funeral service on Tuesday, and, according to a news release from Smiley, the family is planning a public memorial service with details to come.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Rapper Young Dolph could have a street named after him