RENAME “LEE-EMANCIPATION” PARK

We the Undersigned demand that City Council of Chatrottesville immediately
rename “Emancipation Park” with a name that more acceptable to the community
and in a way that is transparent and inclusive!
The re-naming of R.E.LEE park to "EMANCIPATION" park is not ACCEPTABLE, by
the citizens of Charlottesville, the African American community, or the people of
color. The suggestion to add context and relevance to the park, was ignored as were
all the names that were put forth by citizens. In reality five people, on city council,
selected two names of the renamed parks: Justice, and Emancipation Park. This is
not a true REFLECTION of the interests of the community. A few name submitted by
the naming group and community members included:
.
MARKET STREET PARK
FESTIVAL PARK
CENTRAL PARK
COURT HOUSE PARK
COURT SQUARE PARK
However, these names were not considered by the City Council, so the Councilors
went behind closed doors, and just imposed JUSTICE PARK, AND EMANCIPATION
PARK as names for these spaces.
How can we REUNITE this community, when the name of a park is related to
SLAVERY! The name, "EMANCIPATION PARK" is, INSULTING, DISRESPECTFUL,
HURTFUL,HEARTLESS, THOUGHTLESS, INHUMANE, MEAN SPIRITED, and shows a
lack of care for the people of color.
How can oppressed people HEAL, when they are constantly being reminded of the
past, in an insensitive manner by the re-naming of a park "EMANCIPATION PARK"!..
This name needs to be RESCINDED and CHANGED! Signing this PETITION indicates,
you are for FREEDOM, JUSTICE, and EQUALITY, for all people! The healing starts
here, with building a more perfect union with a new name for this park that reflects
the community’s wishes and is done transparently!
Thank you!
Truly, Mary Carey