Charleston’s Historic Battery Officially Renamed in Honor of Local Legend

Charleston’s Historic Battery Officially Renamed in Honor of Local LegendCharleston’s Historic Battery Officially Renamed in Honor of Local Legend Charleston, South Carolina’s iconic Battery promenade, a beloved landmark along its picturesque waterfront, has undergone an historic transformation. In a ceremony marked by both fanfare and reverence, the Battery has been officially renamed in honor of a local legend, Nina Simone. Nina Simone, born as Eunice Waymon in Tryon, North Carolina, was a renowned singer, songwriter, pianist, and civil rights activist. Her powerful voice and poetic lyrics left an indelible mark on American music, capturing the pain and struggles of marginalized communities. The renaming of the Battery to the Nina Simone Promenade is a testament to the profound impact she had on Charleston and beyond. She spent her formative years in the city, attending Allen University High School and giving her first public performances at local churches. The ceremony was attended by Simone’s daughter, RéAnna Simone Kelly, who expressed her gratitude for the city’s recognition of her mother’s legacy. “Nina would be so honored and humbled by this,” she said. “The Battery is a place where people come together, and that’s what my mother stood for.” Mayor John Tecklenburg hailed the renaming as a “historic moment” for Charleston. “Nina Simone was a pioneer who used her voice to amplify the voices of the voiceless,” he said. “To have her name grace this iconic space is a reminder of the power of art to make a difference.” The Nina Simone Promenade will serve as a living memorial to the legendary artist and her unwavering commitment to social justice. As visitors stroll along its cobblestone path, they will be inspired by her words and the legacy she left behind. The renaming process was spearheaded by the Nina Simone Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and celebrating her life and work. The City Council unanimously approved the proposal, recognizing the importance of honoring such a pivotal figure in Charleston’s history and the nation’s cultural landscape. With the unveiling of the new signage, the Battery enters a new chapter as the Nina Simone Promenade, a symbol of the vibrant and progressive spirit that has always defined Charleston.