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City honors first Black officer with honorary street designation

SAVANNAH (Nov. 3) – The City of Savannah celebrated Lt. John Alliston White, Sr.'s contributions to our community with an honorary street designation on Wednesday.

White, 97, was Savannah's first Black police officer and the first Black sworn law enforcement officer in Georgia. He served the city as a Savannah Police officer for more than 37 years and is the last remaining survivor of "The Original Nine" Black officers who integrated the Savannah Police Department in 1947. White also served with the Montford Point Marines, the first black men to serve in the United States Marine Corps.

The new street sign sits at the corner of Wheaton Street and Bouhan Avenue and renames a portion of Bouhon Avenue, where White has lived his whole life, "Lt. White Avenue." 

White's family, friends and neighbors joined the Savannah Police and Savannah Fire departments, city staff and elected officials for the street sign unveiling.