*Updated to add video from renaming event.
GAINESVILLE, FL (352today.com) – Gainesville honored the legacy of two local educators on Monday.
City leaders gathered at the Caring and Sharing Learning School located at 1951 SE 4th St. to rename a section of the road to honor Dr. Simon and Verna Johnson.
The city says the couple founded the Caring and Sharing Learning School serving Southeast Gainesville in 1998.
The late Dr. Johnson is considered a trailblazer as the University of Florida’s first Black tenured professor. He served as an educator for more than 60 years. His wife, Verna, was the assistant director of the Alachua County Head Start Program and mentored many educators.
Together, the couple founded the Caring and Sharing Learning School in 1998, which has since earned several national honors.
The renamed section of roadway is between Williston Road and SE 21st Avenue.