Augusta Riverwalk named after city’s first Black mayor
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - Augusta’s Riverfront is officially named after the city’s first Black mayor, Edward McIntyre.
On Friday, at an unveiling on 8th Street, Augusta leaders showed off the new sign, which went through several debates within the commission back in 2023.
McIntyre’s historic election was marred 3 years later by a federal extortion conviction, though he maintained his innocence all the way up to his ing in 2004.
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While on the Augusta Commission from 2018 to 2022 and even afterward, John Clarke was always known for speaking his mind.
Leaders agreed that despite that stain on his record, McIntyre was a visionary who helped shape Augusta into the city we know today.
“Generations to come will be able to know who Mayor McIntyre was. They’ll be able to know that his vision for the Riverwalk is just an amazing vision. The Civic Center is one that is still playing out to this day. So, this is a great day, because Mayor McIntyre was a public servant, and he loved this city,” said Commissioner Jordan Johnson.
McIntyre’s family also says they are incredibly proud of his legacy, and that he is being honored by the city.
On Thursday, those in the community gathered for a that honored McIntyre’s legacy.
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