SAVANNAH, Ga. () — City officials, community leaders and family honored a Savannah icon Friday.

East Broad between Hartridge and Nicoll Streets is officially designated Reverend Matthew Southall Brown, Sr. Way.  

The reverend spent 35 years at the helm of Savannah’s St. John Baptist Church.

Before his tenure with the church, he made history as one of the first Black Americans to desegregate the military in World War II. He served in the 9th Division, 60th Infantry Regiment, Company E. 

Family members spoke with were emotional about the honor.

“It is an extreme honor sitting at the footsteps of my grandfather looking at what he did for this community me myself growing up in this community I don’t think theres a greater honor we can have than to bestow this street upon his name,” Eddie Jones, Brown’s grandson said. 

Brown passed away in November of 2021 at the age of 99.

An honorary street name designation is intended to recognize individuals who have made a significant contribution to the community, the city said. The designation does not interfere with the official name of the street.