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Atlanta community honors Edith McGuire Duvall at Shirley Clark Franklin Park
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Summary
Community members gathered at Shirley Clark Franklin Park in Atlanta to honor Edith McGuire Duvall, highlighting her local roots, track championships and civic recognitions and installing a plaque meant to inspire visitors.
Community members gathered at Shirley Clark Franklin Park in Atlanta for a ceremony honoring Edith McGuire Duvall, a former Tennessee State undergraduate and track athlete, celebrating her achievements on the track and her ties to the neighborhood.
Speakers at the event emphasized McGuire Duvall’s local roots and athletic record. A community member said, "Beautiful day here at Shirley Park, Franklin Park. It's an honor to stand with you today for such a meaningful occasion, celebrating a legend, a leader, and a treasured trailblazer, Miss Edith Maguire." The remark opened a series of tributes that traced her path from local streets to national recognition.
According to speakers, McGuire Duvall attended Archer High School and won six Amateur Athletic Union championships before competing for Tennessee State. One speaker said, "This is the women's hundred meter dash spotlighting Edith Maguire, Tennessee State undergraduate in Lane 2. She and schoolmate, Wyomia Tias, run away from the Soviets printers. Miss Maguire also wins the 200 and anchors our winning 400 meter relay team." The ceremony materials and remarks cited her wins in the 100- and 200-meter races and her role anchoring a winning 400-meter relay.
Speakers also listed honors beyond competition. Remarks at the event said McGuire Duvall "served as ambassador to East Africa, was included into both Atlanta and the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame, received the President Obama Lifetime Achievement Award, and is honored in the National Museum for African American History and culture." The speakers presented these items as part of the rationale for the park recognition and plaque.
Several speakers tied the dedication to local history and future inspiration. One longtime resident recalled growing up in what was once called Rockdale Park and said the dedication "means a lot because it would be here long after I'm gone." Another speaker closed by urging continued public use of the park: "I just wanna say I just hope that this park is an everlasting park and people will use it for what it's here for and come and just enjoy. Enjoy this this park."
