A stretch of a road in Los Angeles has been “Obama Boulevard” in honour of the former American president.

City officials revealed a 5.5 mile stretch of Rodeo Boulevard had been renamed after Barack Obama. Thousands descended on the area for the ceremony.

The spot was geographically significant due to being located near the site of one of the 44th US president’s campaign rallies in 2007 days after announcing his run for the White House, said city council president Herb Wesson.

“With this change, we are publicly documenting what Obama’s legacy as our nation’s first black president means to our city and our South Los Angeles community,” he said.

He added: “For every child who will drive down this street and see the president’s name, this will serve as a physical reminder that no goal is out of reach and that no dream is too big”.

Michelle Obama's most empowering quotes Show all 10 1 /10 Michelle Obama's most empowering quotes Michelle Obama's most empowering quotes On the key to a successful marriage “In our house we don’t take ourselves too seriously, and laughter is the best form of unity, I think, in a marriage.” On Live with Regis and Kelly in February 2011. Getty Images Michelle Obama's most empowering quotes On not underestimating yourself "You may not always have a comfortable life and you will not always be able to solve all of the world's problems at once but don't ever underestimate the importance you can have because history has shown us that courage can be contagious and hope can take on a life of its own." In a speech to schoolgirls at the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson School in North London in April 2009. Getty Images Michelle Obama's most empowering quotes On inspiring young people “I want our young people to know that they matter, that they belong, so don’t be afraid. You hear me? Young people, don’t be afraid. Be focused, be determined, be hopeful, be empowered… Lead by example with hope, never fear, and know that I will be with you, rooting for you and working to support you for the rest of my life.” In her final White House address in January 2017. Getty Images Michelle Obama's most empowering quotes On double standards regarding parenting “When a father puts in long hours at work, he’s praised for being dedicated and ambitious. But when a mother stays late at the office, she’s sometimes accused of being selfish, neglecting her kids.” At the "Let Girls Learn Event" in Madrid, Spain in June 2016. Getty Images Michelle Obama's most empowering quotes On the importance of diversity in film and TV “For so many people, television and movies may be the only way they understand people who aren’t like them… I come across many little black girls who come up to me over the course of this 7½ years with tears in their eyes, and they say: ‘Thank you for being a role model for me. I don’t see educated black women on TV, and the fact that you’re first lady validates who I am.'” In an interview with Variety in August 2016. AFP/Getty Images Michelle Obama's most empowering quotes On maintaining hopeful following the election of Donald Trump “See, now we are feeling what not having hope feels like, you know. Hope is necessary. It is a necessary concept. What do you give your kids if you can’t give them hope?” In an interview with Oprah Winfrey in December 2016. Getty Images Michelle Obama's most empowering quotes On motherhood "My most important title is 'mom-in-chief'. My daughters are still the heart of my heart and the centre of my world." At the Democratic National Convention in September 2012. AFP/Getty Images Michelle Obama's most empowering quotes On championing women's education “Men in every country need to look into their hearts and souls and ask themselves whether they truly view and treat women as their equals. And then when you all encounter men in your lives who answer no to that question, then you need to take them to task. You need to tell them that any man who uses his strength to oppress women is a coward, and he is holding back the progress of his family and his country.” In a speech at the summit of the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, July 2014. Getty Images Michelle Obama's most empowering quotes On dealing with bullies “When someone is cruel or acts like a bully, you don’t stoop to their level. No, our motto is, when they go low, we go high.” At the Democratic convention, July 2016. Getty Images Michelle Obama's most empowering quotes On the meaning of success "Success isn’t about how your life looks to others. It’s about how it feels to you. We realised that being successful isn’t about being impressive, it’s about being inspired." In a speech at the Oregon State University commencement, June 2012. Getty Images

Mr Wesson said the Rancho Cienega Sports Complex would be renamed the Michelle and Barack Obama Sports Complex after a multimillion-dollar expansion of the recreational area has been completed.

Thousands of people attended the road naming ceremony at the intersection with Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard in one of Los Angeles’ historic black areas.

The festival, which marked the life and legacy of Mr Obama, included a concert and a series of speeches by local high profile figures. Michael Lawson, president and chief executive of the LA Urban League, read a letter from the former president.

“To everyone gathered on King Boulevard, 12 years ago we met in this park,” it said.

“While Michelle, Malia, Sasha and I are so humbled by this day, we’re still mindful that this is not about us. This is about this neighbourhood’s next generation and all we want for them. We hope they look at the new street signs and find inspiration in all that a group of committed citizens can achieve together.”

The road intersects with other another street named after Dr Martin Luther King Jr and the city’s “Presidential Row” of streets named after former presidents that includes Washington, Adams and Jefferson boulevards.