THE CITY of Los Angeles has renamed a street after Barack Obama.

The street, Barack Obama Boulevard, was unveiled at an open air ceremony yesterday.

The 4-mile stretch was previously named Rodeo Road. It’s location was chosen because it is where Obama held his first campaign rally in the city. In 2007, Obama spoke at the Rancho Cienega Park which is located on the road.

Councillor Herb J Wesson, the first African-American president of the Los Angeles City Council, said: “It’s official – Rodeo Rd. is now #ObamaBlvd. For every child who will drive down this street and see the name of the first Black President of our country, this boulevard will serve as a physical reminder that no goal is out of reach and that no dream is too big.”

Wesson spearheaded the motion to rename the street in 2017. It was approved last August, CNN reported.

Eric Garcetti, the mayor of LA, tweeted: “What a proud day for LA! This boulevard that connects our city is now named for one of the greatest presidents that this nation has ever seen. #ObamaBlvd”

As the first African American president of the US, Obama will forever be a feature of history books alongside other prominent black figures and pioneers in politics and many other fields. And Obama’s name will also be linked to another major figure in black history as a result of Barack Obama Boulevard. The road is situated across from W. Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard.

Hundreds gathered to witness the unveiling and a concert was organised to celebrate the new street name.

At the unveiling, Stevie Wonder and Doug E Fresh were among those who took to the stage.