Central Falls Summer Street Named “Viola Davis Way”

CENTRAL FALLS – In a private ceremony Sunday morning, Mayor James Diossa named Summer Street in Central Falls “Viola Davis Way” after Emmy and Tony award-winning actress Viola Davis. The speaking program included words from Mayor Diossa, Former Chief Justice Frank Williams, Bishop Stephen Harper, and Viola Davis.

At the ceremony, which was held inside Central Falls High School, a street sign was unveiled declaring Summer Street as “Viola Davis Way.” By the conclusion of the ceremony, the actual street signs on Summer Street were changed to match its new name.

Speaking to over sixty individuals in attendance, Mayor Diossa explained that he chose Summer Street so that every student making their way to the high school each morning can be inspired by Ms. Davis’s journey from Central Falls to the big screens of Hollywood. Davis graduated from Central Falls High School.

“Viola Davis makes us proud every single day in Central Falls,” said Mayor Diossa. “Her path to stardom started right here city and I want every single person in our city to know that they, too, can make it as far as Viola has.”

Those in attendance were invited to a private reception in the Central Falls High School library with Ms. Davis.

Viola Davis, who grew up in Central Falls, is the first black woman to win a Primetime Emmy Award for her role in How to Get Away with Murder. She has also received two Tony Awards for her role in the plays Fences and King Hedley II.