Proposal for changing the name of the Bascom Branch Library.

Did you know that Louis H. Bascom, a pioneer from Kentucky and early San Jose resident, is the namesake of Bascom Avenue in San Jose and was also a slave owner? 

The Bascoms owned several slaves before moving to San Jose, when they sold every slave but one who died during the trip. While in California, Bascom purchased a slave for $800 although slavery was illegal there.

A library is a symbol of wisdom and intelligence. In a library, all people are free to learn and explore, and I think it is offensive that this library operates under the name of a slave owner, one who made it impossible for all people to be free. We are privileged to be able to freely use the library, but the people enslaved by the Bascoms were not.

Sign this petition to call for the library named after Louis H. Bascom, a slave owner, to be renamed. We need to support our Black community by showing how much we care for them because naming a library — a free space for all citizens — after a slave owner is unacceptable. This name is outdated and should be changed to a name more reflective of the spirit of inclusion we should all work towards. We should not be honoring and memorializing someone who bought and sold other human beings as property. Therefore, I propose that the name of the Bascom Branch Library be changed.

Read the words of Bascom’s own wife, Anna Bascom, detailing their slave ownership prior to moving to San Jose: 

“We sold our dear home and the poor black people.  Of course we saw that they had good masters, but O, the agony of parting!” (Field)

In addition, the Bascoms made one of their slaves accompany them on the wagon journey from Kentucky to California: 

“Of our servants, just one good man went with us.  His name was Willis.  He was the most perfect gentleman I ever knew; he was so kind, and unselfish, and helpful, we loved him like a brother.” (Field)

They even managed to purchase a slave in California, although slavery was illegal at the time: 

“It was not till spring that Doctor found a black man who could cook.  He paid $800 for him. Folks said he wouldn't stay - for, of course, he was free in California - but he did.  He lived with us for four years.” (Field)

GRANDMA BASCOM'S STORY OF SAN JOSÉ IN '49 

by M.H. Field 

Source:  Overland Monthly and Out West Magazine, Volume 9, No. 53, May 1887, pp. 543-551