Santa Clarita Valley celebrates city founder "Louis E. Brathwaite" by opening a brand new street in his name
- Markoff Entertainment
- Apr 28
- 2 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
On Friday, April 25, 2025 at around 11AM, the city of Santa Clarita presented a brand new street named after Santa Clarita Valley founder, Louis E Brathwaite.
About Louis E. Brathwaite
Louis Brathwaite’s path to Santa Clarita came after an accomplished career in the U.S. Air Force and nearly four decades with the U.S. Naval Air Reserve. In 1969, he chose the Santa Clarita Valley as his home—a decision that would leave a lasting mark on the community for generations. From the moment he arrived, Louis devoted himself to service, striving to build connections across generations and foster a spirit of unity and progress. His influence stretched across many parts of our community, especially in programs supporting youth and seniors. He was a vital force behind the Santa Clarita Valley Boys & Girls Club and the SCV Committee on Aging, helping create programs that became lifelines for both young people and older adults.
While Louis made history as Santa Clarita’s first Black elected official, he never sought recognition. His focus was always on the work—leading with wisdom, fairness, and integrity. Former Mayor Buck McKeon once said Louis “set patterns for others to follow,” a fitting tribute to a man committed to action over accolades. His leadership was crucial in the campaign to incorporate Santa Clarita as a City, including persuading Supervisor Kenneth Hahn to attend a pivotal meeting and securing $3 million from the County to help lay the foundation for the City’s future.
Although he wasn’t elected to the City’s first Council, Louis’s impact never faded. He was appointed to the Santa Clarita Planning Commission, where he served a decade—longer than any other member at the time—guiding the City’s growth with balance and fairness. Even in his final chapter, Louis continued to give back, completing his autobiography, Black Man’s Job, White Man’s World, just a week before his passing—a lasting testament to his journey and vision.
Louis’s life is a powerful reminder of the difference one person’s dedication can make. His legacy lives on not just in our history books but now, fittingly, in our streets as well. As we gather to dedicate this street in his honor, we don’t just remember a name—we celebrate a man whose leadership, kindness, and vision helped shape the Santa Clarita we know and love today.
"Summarized from The City of Santa Clarita Press Release"
Street Sign Reveal
Our journalist team, with Santa Clarita Valley Television, was on-site to capture the street sign reveal for Brathwaite on Saturday where his family legacy was celebrated.
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