WSB-TV interviewed me this morning and is going to air the story around 12:30pm today (11/2).  I’m glad that I got to speak with them and clarify some things about our petition and reports about this effort:

• This petition is to oppose renaming Henry W. Grady High School after Ida B. Wells.  The petition is not to stop the renaming process altogether, which seems inevitable at this point.
• Based on community feedback and the student votes that were cast, a place-based name was the frontrunner, with Midtown High School being the most popular choice.  Ida B. Wells was as an option, but the name did not garner broad community support and was not a frontrunner.
• It was mentioned that there was nothing negative about the name “Ida B. Wells.”  I agree that there’s nothing negative about Wells or her name, in and of themselves.  Her positive impact has never been a point of debate.  However, it would be negative to rename this school after Wells, because the Board would be doing so despite community feedback and despite concerns about the renaming process.  It’s important for the Board to keep faith with the community it was elected to represent, especially now as it grapples with other such crucial matters as educating during the pandemic and reopening schools safely.
• I was asked in the interview, what would I like to happen next if the Board votes no. I would like them to select a name based on community feedback.  Current feedback supports a place-based name, Midtown High School, which I also support.  However, if more feedback is needed (to overcome concerns about exclusion), then I hope the Board will be as inclusive as possible:  current students, future students, alumni, parents, staff, and other stakeholders.

It would also be my wish that the students, alumni, etc. could provide their feedback (whatever it is) without having being insulted and having their character disparaged.  I’ve heard reports of students being bullied and called racist if they don’t support Wells’ name for the school.  Accusations made of their parents being okay with white supremacy, if they don’t want Wells’ as the name choice.  I’ve certainly been called derogatory names and had my character questioned because of my position on this issue.

How unfortunate for all involved, and it reflects the worst and most disturbing aspects our current political environment.  As for this renaming, I hope that we can course-correct, leave behind the bullying and division, and move forward together as a community.  I still believe it is possible!