Chapel Hill Honors Trailblazers Howard and Lillian Lee With New Park and Street Naming
CHAPEL HILL, NC — Two influential figures whose decades of leadership helped shape Chapel Hill’s history will receive a lasting public tribute.
The Chapel Hill Town Council voted October 21, 2026, to name a future public park on Legion Road in honor of former Mayor Howard N. Lee and longtime educator Lillian W. Lee, recognizing their contributions to civil rights, education, public service and community development.
The park will be named Howard N. & Lillian W. Lee Park, and the road leading into the property will be named Howard N. Lee Street.
The decision honors a couple whose commitment to expanding opportunity and strengthening communities has left an enduring mark on Chapel Hill and North Carolina.
Howard Lee Made History as Chapel Hill’s First Black Mayor
Howard Lee broke a significant racial barrier in May 1969 when he was elected mayor of Chapel Hill.
His election made him the first African American elected mayor of a predominantly White Southern city since Reconstruction, a historic achievement during a period of profound social and political change.
Lee served as mayor for six years before continuing his public service at the state level.
He later served as secretary of North Carolina’s Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources and was elected to two terms in the North Carolina Senate.
Throughout his career, Lee became closely associated with efforts to expand opportunity, strengthen communities and advance affordable housing.
Lillian Lee’s Legacy Includes Education and Breaking Barriers
Lillian W. Lee has devoted much of her professional life to improving educational opportunities and supporting children and families.
She established the UNC Hospital School, North Carolina’s first accredited K–12 hospital school, creating educational opportunities for young patients receiving medical care.
Lee also worked as a teacher and administrator in the Chapel Hill-Carrboro school system.
Her public service extended beyond education. She became the first person of color to serve on the Orange County Board of Elections, breaking another barrier in local government.
Together, the Lees represent decades of leadership across education, government and community advocacy.
Mayor Says Park Naming Reflects Chapel Hill’s Values
Chapel Hill Mayor Jess Anderson praised the Council’s decision, describing the naming as an opportunity to recognize the couple’s lasting contributions.
“It’s especially meaningful to honor Howard and Lillian Lee in this way, recognizing their extraordinary contributions to community building, affordable housing, and the values that make Chapel Hill such a special place,” Anderson said.
“They exemplify the very best of our community, and naming this park for them is a fitting way to celebrate their legacy as we begin an exciting new chapter for this property.”
Future Legion Road Development Will Include Affordable Housing
The park will be part of a broader redevelopment of the town-owned Legion Road property.
In addition to public green space, the site is planned to include a new affordable housing neighborhood.
The combination of recreational space and affordable housing reflects priorities closely associated with the Lees’ commitment to building a more inclusive community.
The town has not announced an opening date for the park in its October 21 naming announcement.
Residents can learn more about the project and future development plans at chapelhillnc.gov/legionproperty.
A Lasting Tribute to Two Chapel Hill Leaders
For Howard and Lillian Lee, the naming represents more than recognition of individual accomplishments.
Their names will become part of Chapel Hill’s physical landscape, connecting future generations to a history of breaking barriers, serving others, and creating opportunities.
As the new park and affordable housing neighborhood take shape, their legacy will remain visible in a community they helped transform.
Source: Town of Chapel Hill