Good Afternoon Rename Douglas Park Supporters! We are very excited to share that our campaign made the front page of the Chicago Tribune! During the 2016-2017 school year, Ms. Jones' 5th grade class decided they wanted their Grassroots Campaign (GRC) to focus on Re-naming Stephen A. Douglas Park to Frederick Douglass Park. Douglas Park, a large Chicago Park located in North Lawndale, serves as a cultural and community center on the West Side. Former IL Senator Stephen A. Douglas believed in "popular sovereignty" -- the idea that voters should decide whether slavery should exist in their territory. He also owned a 3,000 acre plantation with 123 enslaved Black people in Lawrence Co. Mississippi. Because North Lawndale is a predominantly Black neighborhood, our students believe that a neighborhood park named after a historical figure who not only supported, but also actively participated in the enslavement of Black people is an insult to the community. This school year, Ms. Jones' 5th graders wanted to work with the now 6th graders to continue this GRC. After creating a petition to the Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners, VLA's 5th and 6th graders organized a train takeover to gain support! Read the Chicago Tribune Article for more details! Be sure to sign and share our petition. Consider making a contribution to help us reach our goal of 5,000 supporters! Sincerely, The 5th & 6th Grade Class