SAVANNAH, Ga. () — A portion of Essex Ave. in the Tremont Park Neighborhood will be dedicated as “Annie Bell Graham Street” next Friday, July 11.

Svannah officials and community members will gather at 9 a.m. for the official designation on Essex Ave. between 2nd Ave. and Corvair Ave.

Graham settled in the area in 1941, as was known as the “Mother” of Tremont Park Missionary Baptist Church, where she served for nearly 60 years. She raised 12 biological children and was the legal guardian for approximately 16 others.

She was among the first African American property owners and helped organized fundraisers in the 1970’s to purchase land for the Tremont Park Community Center.

As a grandmother to 130 grandchildren, she became known as the “Matriarch of Tremont Park.”

Graham passed away on Aug. 27, 2023.

The street designation was approved in May following a recommendation from The Historic Sites and Monuments Commission.