NORFOLK, Va. — Led by Councilman Paul Riddick's "Yes" vote, the rest of Norfolk City Council followed, and helped pass a resolution to rename the "Norfolk Boxing and Fitness Center" at Harbor Park after the late boxing legend Pernell "Sweet Pea" Whitaker.
"We believe now, it's unfortunate that Sweet Pea's not here to see it, but it should give the youngsters in Norfolk---first of all---that you can do stuff with your hands and you don't need guns," said Councilman Riddick.
But Councilman Riddick and others who support the resolution believe Sweet Pea's influence is so much bigger than that; it can inspire kids in Norfolk to no end.
"Immediately it hit my heart because I watched him grow up. What he actually did was give young people an opportunity to see that the world was bigger than just where they were at and how far they could go," said a Norfolk resident who spoke to city council.
It's never too late, though, for the boxing champ to continue his legacy for the kids around. With Whitaker Lane in Young Terrace, he now adds a gym to the list in this round.
"Hopefully, they can reach for the stars and have something named after them someday," said Councilman Riddick.
He said there's no date yet when the name change will happen. But, with the vote now over, Riddick said the city can move forward with Whitaker's family to dedicate the gym.