On Tuesday, May 23, business and civic leaders unveiled banners honoring Jimmy Carter Boulevard's namesake, our 39^th President Jimmy Carter.

Former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Andrew Young and Gwinnett County Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson joined Emory Morsberger, Executive Director of Gateway85 Community Improvement District, and Shiv Aggarwal, Chairman of the Gateway 85 Board of Directors, to deliver heartfelt remarks before unveiling the honorary banners that line a 2-mile stretch of Jimmy Carter Boulevard, which spans 9.1 miles.

The announcement was hosted by Gateway85, one of the largest community improvement districts in the state.

Kicking off the ceremony, Morsberger recognized public servants in the state and Gwinnett County. Morsberger then applauded Wayne Mason, Bill Atkinson, and Casey Bowens, three former County commissioners who named the road Jimmy Carter Boulevard.

“I think this is a wonderful testament to my grandparents, to their family, and we love coming here,” said Jason Carter, who serves as chair of the Carter Center Board of Trustees. “Thank you for inviting me to your community and honoring my grandparents today.”

In 1976, the one-time dirt road became the gateway to Gwinnett at I-85, transforming into a six-lane thoroughfare. Originally called Norcross Tucker Highway and Rockbridge Road, Jimmy Carter Boulevard has become a major hub for economic prosperity and cultural diversity for Greater Atlanta and Gwinnett County – the most diverse county in the state.

“President Carter is a man with an exceptional regard for the humanity of others. His moving honesty, open heart, and desire to bring about peace are the qualities that we should all hope to emulate,” Hendrickson said. “It’s fitting that we have such a vital road named after him as diverse and international as Gwinnett County.”