The City of Atlanta honored the late Honorable Ivory Lee Young Jr. with the unveiling of a dedication marker at Rodney Cook Sr. Park. Mayor Andre Dickens was joined by Councilmember Byron Amos, Department of Parks and Recreation Commissioner Justin Cutler, Pastor Gerald Durley, and Mr. Young’s wife, Shalise Steele, for the occasion.
The ceremony celebrated Young’s enduring legacy as a devoted public servant, visionary leader, and advocate for Atlanta’s Westside. The plaque now stands as a lasting tribute to his commitment to building a “Beloved Community” and improving the lives of those he served.
Young represented District 3 on the Atlanta City Council from 2002 until his passing in 2018, shaping neighborhoods like Vine City and English Avenue. He was instrumental in revitalization efforts across the district, including the “Westside Revive” initiative, which created redevelopment plans for neighborhoods long overlooked by traditional economic opportunities.
He also played a key role in the redevelopment of the Martin Luther King Jr. Drive corridor, securing more than $65 million to complete the Historic Westside Village project. This work became a catalyst for continued investment in the area. Young championed public safety by supporting funding for police and fire equipment, advancing infrastructure improvements, expanding camera technology, and advocating for the creation of the Atlanta Citizens Review Board.
Before his time on Council, Young worked for more than 30 years in professional planning, architecture, and construction, and he served six years as a Neighborhood Planning Unit (NPU) officer.
His vision and leadership helped create a more vibrant Southwest Atlanta, and his impact continues to be felt today. The plaque at Rodney Cook Sr. Park ensures that his legacy of service, community building, and commitment to justice will inspire generations to come.
