PORTSMOUTH, Va. – The City of Portsmouth is preparing for lots of festivities to be held Monday, October 17.
Award-winning musician and Portsmouth native, Missy Elliott, will be honored with the renaming of a portion of McLean Street to “Missy Elliott Boulevard”. The City will host a renaming ceremony and will present her with a key to the city.
“We’re beyond proud of Missy’s accomplishments and so thrilled to have the opportunity to celebrate her right here in her hometown of Portsmouth, Virginia,” said Portsmouth City Manager Tonya Chapman.
A pep rally - open to the public - will be held at Manor High School where Elliott graduated. Manor Principal Dr. Timothy Johnson told News 3 that he and the students are excited to host the event. He explained that he was just starting his teaching career at the school the year Elliott graduated, in 1990.
"I talked to her a couple of weeks ago," said Dr. Johnson. "I told her how proud we were of her." He added, "She’s excited and our students are excited. You can tell when we talk through the halls, they were saying, because I had the sign, they said, "That’s Missy! That’s Missy!"
Johnson told News 3 that he toured Elliott around the school a few years ago when she visited. She took photos with students and made a $25,000 donation. He said she’s also donated more since then, totaling $55,000. Principal Johnson said they’ve used the money for various things like spirit wear for students, yard signs for seniors during the pandemic, and fees to send some students to competitions.
All three Portsmouth high schools will have their bands performing at the rally held at Manor High on Monday.
The parade will feature Norfolk State University Marching Band, Hampton University Marching Band, and Elizabeth City State University Marching Band.
Gov. Glenn Youngkin and Congressman Bobby Scott will both present proclamations to honor Missy Elliott and her accomplishments. Portsmouth Mayor Shannon Glover will present to her a key to the city. Elliott will be joined by Virginia’s own Pusha T, Trey Songz, and Timbaland.
The Portsmouth City Council voted unanimously to rename a portion of the current street to “Missy Elliott Boulevard.” The street, currently named McLean Street, serves the Victory Crossing Shopping Center, Tidewater Community College, and the future Portsmouth Rivers Casino.
The rally will begin Monday at 3:30 p.m. at Manor High School, 1401 Elmhurst Lane. It is free and open to the public.
The Portsmouth Police Department is also announcing potential traffic impacts in the Hodges Manor area due to the dedication and celebration.
On Monday, from 1-3 p.m., PPD officials say eastbound traffic along Airline Boulevard at Portsmouth Boulevard will go from three lanes to one lane.
Also, McClean Street (soon to be named Missy Elliot Boulevard) will be shut down from Airline Boulevard to the entrance of Victory Crossing. Those wishing to visit Victory Crossing during that time can use Victory Boulevard to enter.
PPD officials tell News 3 Elmhurst Lane from Sequoia Road to Brunswick Road and Cherokee Road, from Baskerville Road to Logan Drive will be shut down from approximately 1 p.m. until about 5 p.m.
Those wishing to attend the Missy Elliott Boulevard dedication can approach on Elmhurst Lane traveling from Airline Boulevard.
