A California park will be renamed in LeVar Burton’s honor.
Sacramento’s Richfield Park will be rededicated to the former Reading Rainbow host on June 11, reports The Sacramento Bee.
Burton was born in Germany and moved to California when he was 3 years old. He attended Christian Brothers High School and went on to attend University of Southern California. Millennials probably know him as the host of Reading Rainbow back in the 90s. He is also known for his roles in the Star Trek television franchise and his turn as Kunta Kente in Roots.
February 16, 1957 — Levardis Robert Martyn "LeVar" Burton, Jr., actor, director and author, was born in Landstuhl, West Germany. He turns 62 pic.twitter.com/j6H77KRmNG
— MoorInfo (@MoorInformation) February 16, 2019
“He’s always been proud of his Sacramento roots and he continues to use his career and his influence to be a strong advocate for literacy for children,” city assistant planner Brianna Moland said in February.
Commissioner Chinua Rhodes was happy to see the representation.
“I really am happy to see somebody, especially somebody of color, coming out of the south area in such a positive way who’s made a great impact,” Rhodes said.
The Roots star is proud of his hometown, according Sacramento City Express.
“Sacramento has imprinted itself on me in the most indelible way,” said Burton.
Councilmember Larry Carr believes Burton made his own imprint on the city and the rest of the nation.
“Mr. Burton’s career accomplishment shows the possibilities that are open to all residents, no matter where they come from,” said Councilmember Larry Carr. “He is an inspiration to our youth, to people of our community and to everyone in Sacramento.”
Blavity Fam, if you’re interested in attending the event, you can RSVP for free.
Here’s the deets:
Tuesday, June 11
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
1900 Expedition Way, Sacramento, CA 95823