DC: Saying the Names, Changing the Names

This online presentation examines the process recently undertaken by DC Government (Under Muriel Browser) to evaluate DC streets, buildings, landmarks (Federal as well as District), evaluating these on 8 criteria for their appropriateness as named places in DC.

During the process the working group identified 153 'named' assets (Streets, buildings, memorials) that did not reflect DC values and "ought to be replaced or removed or renamed."

This presentation will consider the suggested changes, and provide background and history to the person whose name is up for removal. Wilson, Franklin, Jefferson, Washington are four of the over 153 considerations. NPR noted that the commission's "research showed that 70% of the city's assets are named for white men, many of whom did not live in D.C. When looking to rename, the report states that "priority should be placed on ensuring future assets, especially and including those recommended for renaming, include more women, people of color, and LGBTQ Washingtonians."

The Commission evaluated over 1300 'named assets' for the following factors:
1. Participation in slavery – did research and evidence find a history of enslaving other humans, or otherwise supporting the institution of slavery?
2. Involvement in systemic racism – did research and evidence find the namesake serving as an author of policy, legislation or actions that suppressed persons of color and women?
3. Support for oppression – did research and evidence find the namesake endorsed and participated in the oppression of persons color and/or women?
4. Involvement in supremacist agenda – did research and evidence suggest that the namesake was a member of any supremacist organization?
5. Violation of District human rights laws – did research and evidence find the namesake committed a violation of the DC Human Right Act, in whole or part, including discrimination against protected traits such as age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and natural origin?

In announcing the Commission, Mayor Bowser observed, "No matter your race, your faith, your sexual orientation, your gender identity, your background — you should beable to live, work and play in Washington, DC without fear of violence or discrimination." The DC Facilities and Commemorative Expressions Commission extends the Mayor's remarks to include open access and welcome in terms of the material buildings and places of DC.

Woodrow Wilson High School, for example, named after the self-acknowledged White Supremacist President (who segregated the Federal workforce), is being renamed. A proposed name: “Jackson Reed” -- this hyphenated name would honor Edna Jackson, the school’s first Black teacher, and Vincent Reed, the school’s first Black principal.

ZOOM LINK WILL BE POSTED HERE DAY OF THE EVENT