October 24, 2024 - In a landmark celebration for the community, Allegheny Avenue was officially co-named Nubian Way during a heartfelt dedication ceremony. This special event honored Columbus Africentric Early College, paying tribute to the school's proud heritage and remarkable achievements.

Columbus City Council President Shannon Hardin joined Columbus City Schools (CCS) officials, staff, and students to celebrate the occasion. For Hardin, the event held personal significance, as he had attended the former Africentric at Mohawk and was part of its inaugural class.

“I am a Nubian. It was here that I learned how to honor my ancestors. It was here that I learned how to give deference to those who came before us. It was here that I gained the confidence to know who I am and what was expected of me,” Hardin reflected.

The street co-naming was a tribute to the remarkable achievements of Columbus Africentric Early College, a school renowned for its legacy of excellence. Since 2007, the Lady Nubians basketball team has dominated the court, winning an astounding nine state championships and setting the all-time record in Ohio High School Athletic Association girls' basketball. They also made history as the second team ever to win two consecutive championship titles, securing their place among Ohio’s basketball elite.

CAEC’s excellence extends beyond athletics to academics. The high school earned a 5-star rating, significantly exceeding state standards in graduation rates on the Ohio School Report Card, boasting a remarkable 94.4% graduation rate. Similarly, the elementary school earned a commendable 4-star rating in progress and gap closing.

Dr. Todd Walker, CCS Chief Curriculum and Instruction Officer, who spent six years on CAEC’s campus as director, was present during the school's 2017 move to the site on Allegheny Avenue. Reflecting on that moment back in 2017 when the incoming class of students marveled at the $42 million development on 55 acres of land, seeing it as an investment in their futures.

“It represents the best of who Columbus is,” Dr. Walker remarked. “Nubian means ‘land of gold,’ and I think that is appropriate for today.”

Columbus Board of Education President Christina Vera echoed these sentiments.

“The renaming of Allegheny Avenue to Nubian Way is a tribute to our students', staff's, and families’ hard work, dedication, and commitment,” Vera said. “Africentric empowers its students to be their best selves, where culture and excellence unite to create something remarkable.”