Tempe: Rename Public Landmarks Honoring Ku Klux Klan (KKK) Members

Tempe: Rename Public Landmarks Honoring Ku Klux Klan (KKK) Members

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, October 20, 2021

Contact: Kiana M. Sears, East Valley NAACP President | (480) 442-1222 | [email protected]t

EAST VALLEY – ARIZONA NAACP (1008-B) CALLS FOR TEMPE CITY COUNCIL
TO RENAME PUBLIC LANDMARKS
NAMED IN HONOR OF KU KLUX KLAN (KKK) MEMBERS

October 20, 2021

TEMPE, ARIZONA (October 20, 2021) – On October 21, 2021, the Tempe City Council will consider renaming nine (9) city streets, parks, and schools which are “currently named after documented KKK members” and direct the “City Manager to appoint an Ad Hoc Renaming Committee of community members to recommend new names” (City of Tempe).

The East Valley NAACP supports the removal of these glorifications of domestic terrorism which led to the lynchings and murders of thousands of Black people, and generations of systemic discrimination. For decades, Tempe was a “sundown town,” and we are mindful of the progress the city has made, including: citizens electing their first Black Mayor, Corey Woods, in 2020; and Arizona State University (ASU) President Michael Crow releasing the LIFT Initiative in 2020, twenty-five (25) commitments to the Black community to “find solutions to issues of bias, discrimination and underrepresentation at ASU” (ASU).

Every child deserves to live, play, and learn in safe, non-demeaning neighborhoods. No one should live on “KKK Drive” nor attempt to learn at “KKK Elementary School.” Therefore, the East Valley NAACP encourages the City of Tempe to continue making progress by following through in renaming these landmarks and buildings, and listening to those most directly impacted by the KKK’s work during the process. We also encourage the Community to voice their support of Agenda Item “Renaming Process” (currently #2E) by submitting a Public Comment Card and/or contacting the entire City Council by sending one email to [email protected]. 

Freedom Fighters, we work to disrupt inequality, dismantle racism, and accelerate change in key areas including criminal justice, health care, education, climate, and the economy. Join us at evnaacp.org.