Charlotte May Rename Streets With Ties To Confederacy

This year has brought about many important conversations, including those about racial justice and reconciling with America's past. The newest city having these talks is Charlotte, where a commission created by Mayor Vi Lyles is compiling a list of streets that they recommend renaming.

So far, the Legacy Commission, created in June 2020, has discovered nine streets named after people who were involved in the Confederacy, slavery, and white supremacy. Their goal is to create a more unified and welcoming city for all who live in Charlotte.

"We want to change the symbolic landscape to reflect the kind of city we aspire to be in the 21st century," said Commission Chair Emily Zimmern.

The streets being considered are Jefferson Davis Street, West Will Street, Stonewall Street, Jackson Avenue, Phifer Avenue, Aycock Lane, Barringer Drive, Morrison Boulevard, and Zebulon Avenue. The commission and city historians say these names are tied to Confederacy leaders and soldiers as well as slave owners and white supremacists.

"I think we have to confront our history to be able to change and create a better future," Zimmern said. "It's been a long time coming."

A report detailing the commission's findings, as well as how to address the changes, will be given to the City Council for its December 14 meeting. They encourage the streets to be renamed for people who have contributed to Charlotte's progress, honor people who have been overlooked in the past and those who represent the diversity of the city's history.

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