Newport News officially renames section of street after Allen Iverson
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY) — Peninsula native Allen Iverson was honored Tuesday in Newport News during a renaming ceremony.
In February, the city council authorized renaming the section of 16th Street that stretches from Wickham Avenue to Walnut Avenue “Allen Iverson Way.”
Iverson played in the NBA for 14 seasons at the shooting guard and point guard positions. In 1997, he was named NBA Rookie of the year and was an 11-time NBA All-Star.
“Y’all should feel good about this accomplishment too because y’all molded me,” Iverson said.
The program got underway with remarks from Newport News Mayor Phillip Jones.
“He’s one of our native sons and we’re proud to honor him today,” Jones said.
Newport News native and former ‘The Voice’ contestant Jonathan Holmes followed Jones with his rendition of the national anthem.
Gov. Glenn Youngkin began his remarks by wishing Jones good luck with his State of the City address later that day. Youngkin also shared that he and Iverson were both coached by Marcellus ‘Boo’ Williams.
“What I love most about Allen Iverson is that he came home,” Youngkin said. “What does coming home mean? It means that you demonstrate to everybody that Newport News rocks. It means that you demonstrate to everybody that coming home matters.”
Youngkin closed by proclaiming March 5 as Allen Iverson Day.
After the unveiling of the street sign, Iverson stepped to the podium, visibly filled with gratitude, and was moved to tears when he spoke about his family.
“My mom told me when I was 8-years-old that I could be anything I wanted to be, and I actually believed her,” Iverson said. “And I know a lot of times we’re taught about being role models and it’s always about the kids, but it’s for every age group. You can be whatever you want to be. It’s going to happen when God wants it to happen. Your dream can come true when you’re over 50-years-old.”
During his 14 seasons in the NBA, Iverson never forgot where he came from — giving back over the years, said Newport News City Councilman John Eley.
“My ups, my downs — the times that I fell, and I just got back up and put one foot in front of the other,” Iverson said at the new sign on 16th Street and Walnut. “I just think about this place and these people.”
Iverson said ‘Allen Iverson Way’ has a bigger meaning.
“Doing it your way,” Iverson said. “Doing it the right way and understanding that there are going to be some stumbling blocks in life. Be better than Allen Iverson. Try your hardest not to make the same mistakes that I made.”
The Philadelphia 76ers plan to unveil an Allen Iverson sculpture on April 12.
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