Fort Valley, Ga (WGXA) – The Fort Valley community came together Saturday to honor a trailblazing local leader with the renaming of Stanley Street. The street is now officially known as Dave Carter Way, named in honor of David Carter Jr., the first Black Peach County commissioner.

Family members, city leaders, and residents gathered for the ceremony celebrating Carter’s lasting impact on Fort Valley and Peach County. David Carter Jr. passed away nearly 42 years ago, but his legacy continues to shape the community.

His son, David Carter III, said the renaming has been years in the making and reflects his father’s deep roots in the area.

“My father was a brick mason and owned a store right here in Fort Valley on the very road that now carries his name,” Carter said. “He used that store as a way to give back to the community.”

Carter Jr. was a longtime public servant who made history as the first African American to serve on both the Peach County Board of Education and the Peach County Board of Commissioners. His commitment to education, leadership, and service helped pave the way for future generations.

David Carter III credited his sisters for helping push the effort forward, including Councilwoman LaRhonda Eason, along with city council members, City Manager Gary Lee, and former Fort Valley Mayor Jeffrey Lundy.

When asked why he believes the city ultimately approved the street name change, Carter pointed to his father’s lifelong service. “I think they looked at the record,” Carter said. “It was a long time coming. They saw a great leader, a great community man—someone who was generous and always willing to give back. I say that even though he was my father, but even if I weren’t his son, I could truly say that about Mr. Dave Carter.”

Carter closed by expressing gratitude to everyone who attended the ceremony and helped honor his father’s legacy—a legacy now permanently etched into the streets of Fort Valley.