My name is John B. Hammond, III -- my family has been part of the Grady cluster for over 14 years, we have one student who is a recent graduated (2020, and who served on the naming committee) and a student who is currently a 10th grader.   I'm petitioning on behalf of myself, other parents, current students, alumni and other stakeholders who believe the renaming process was made clear, the steps of the process where transparent, and the community was given ample time and opportunity for input -- and who believe that the results of the process are valid, and the name proposed should be favorably voted on my the Board.

We are asking the Atlanta Board of Education to vote YES on November 2nd on the Grady Renaming Committee’s recommendation.

1.    The months-long process, was very transparent, there was ample time and opportunity for community input, and the deliberations of the committee considered the input from the community, in accordance with the process laid out by the Board and the Committee.

2.   Never was the renaming committee charged with adopting the opinion of the community as the final recommendation. Alternatively, the committee was empaneled with thoughtful stakeholders and changed with suggesting whether or not the name of the school should be changed, and if so, proposing a name that is historically, morally, and intentionally aligned with the espoused values of a community and the school

2.    Ida B. Wells is a name that represents the values and spirit of the school and the activist students who attend -- we think the students themselves say in best in the student news paper:  https://thesoutherneronline.com/76743/comment/advocate-and-journalist-ida-b-wells-is-the-right-name-for-our-school/

3. In times of great uncertainty, we understand the impulse for neutrality, and non-controversy -- which are arguments we have heard in favor of the place-based options. We imagine that when the name Grady High School was initially chosen it was a popular selection, among students, parents and he broader community -- nevertheless, it was the name of a staunch racist; and even when his views where known, there were many who would persist in keeping the name.  The process of selecting a naming committee, charging it with purpose and then honoring the committee for showing courage and leadership in the proposal of a thoughtful name, appropriate for the time, the occasion, and the community -- this is what we call the Atlanta School Board to do.

We implore our Board members to stand by the process that they laid out, and to honor those who abided by that charge; we implore you to not submit to those who now disagree with the outcome of that process and vote YES on November 2nd to the Renaming Committee’s recommendation. 

Please sign this petition to show your support! (Let us know if you are a student, alumni, etc.)