We can maintain the name, Cass Tech and still remove the stigma associated with Lewis Cass
We can maintain the name, Cass Tech and still remove the stigma associated with Lewis Cass
The Issue
Some feel dismay when professing the attributes of our beloved alma mater, knowing that it's name, LEWIS Cass is in dedication to a man who was in direct opposition to the success of the black and brown people who excelled and succeeded in its name.
The man lived as a racist. The man upheld slavery, bigotry, and wars against indigenous peoples of this land. Upholding the name helps to uphold the belief systems and behaviors. Names define, mold, identify, direct, influence, and energize.
We cannot seek to eradicate racism and also keep the names of racists close to our hearts. Now that we know the truth of the name, what we do with that truth matters. Our brilliance and work ethics bind us to one another, not the name of a purveyor of slavery.
Our suggestion is to rename Lewis Cass Technical H.S. to Melnea Cass Technical H.S. Melnea Cass is a woman who’s name and lifeworks are worth honoring with our tongues and memory. MELNEA CASS is the best representation of the successes we Technicians have achieved in every industry across the globe. Our school chants, praises, and memorabilia deserve a transformation. That the name and brand mean so much to both sides of the debate, let us look to the common denominator. Let us change the name from Lewis to Melnea and broadcast a reputable name and new meaning. A new identity.
“[Melnea Cass’] helped African american women register and cast their first vote in 1920. Being deeply influenced by Civil Rights Activist William Monroe Trotter, Melnea decided to join the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). During the 1930s, Melnea volunteered much of her time to helping at community centers, organizing mothers to encourage early education, and helped to form the Boston chapter of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, founded by the legendary A. Philip Randolph.
Melnea served as the president of the Women’s Service Club for more than 15 years, helping to ensure access for women to social security and other benefits. She helped to found Freedom House, an organization dedicated to advocacy for African Americans in Boston.
In 1950, John Hynes, the Mayor of Boston, appointed Melnea as the only woman charter member of the Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD), which assisted people who lost their homes to urban renewal efforts. From 1962 to 1964, she served as the President of the Boston NAACP and organized demonstrations against the segregation in the Boston Public Schools. From 1975 to 1976, Melnea Cass was chair of the Massachusetts Advisory Committee for the Elderly.” Source: https://www.boston.gov/news/black-history-boston-melnea-cass
Petition created by Reshounn Foster and Teresa Lee-Allen
#NotAMomentButAMovement
The Issue
Some feel dismay when professing the attributes of our beloved alma mater, knowing that it's name, LEWIS Cass is in dedication to a man who was in direct opposition to the success of the black and brown people who excelled and succeeded in its name.
The man lived as a racist. The man upheld slavery, bigotry, and wars against indigenous peoples of this land. Upholding the name helps to uphold the belief systems and behaviors. Names define, mold, identify, direct, influence, and energize.
We cannot seek to eradicate racism and also keep the names of racists close to our hearts. Now that we know the truth of the name, what we do with that truth matters. Our brilliance and work ethics bind us to one another, not the name of a purveyor of slavery.
Our suggestion is to rename Lewis Cass Technical H.S. to Melnea Cass Technical H.S. Melnea Cass is a woman who’s name and lifeworks are worth honoring with our tongues and memory. MELNEA CASS is the best representation of the successes we Technicians have achieved in every industry across the globe. Our school chants, praises, and memorabilia deserve a transformation. That the name and brand mean so much to both sides of the debate, let us look to the common denominator. Let us change the name from Lewis to Melnea and broadcast a reputable name and new meaning. A new identity.
“[Melnea Cass’] helped African american women register and cast their first vote in 1920. Being deeply influenced by Civil Rights Activist William Monroe Trotter, Melnea decided to join the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). During the 1930s, Melnea volunteered much of her time to helping at community centers, organizing mothers to encourage early education, and helped to form the Boston chapter of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, founded by the legendary A. Philip Randolph.
Melnea served as the president of the Women’s Service Club for more than 15 years, helping to ensure access for women to social security and other benefits. She helped to found Freedom House, an organization dedicated to advocacy for African Americans in Boston.
In 1950, John Hynes, the Mayor of Boston, appointed Melnea as the only woman charter member of the Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD), which assisted people who lost their homes to urban renewal efforts. From 1962 to 1964, she served as the President of the Boston NAACP and organized demonstrations against the segregation in the Boston Public Schools. From 1975 to 1976, Melnea Cass was chair of the Massachusetts Advisory Committee for the Elderly.” Source: https://www.boston.gov/news/black-history-boston-melnea-cass
Petition created by Reshounn Foster and Teresa Lee-Allen
#NotAMomentButAMovement
Petition Closed
Share this petition
The Decision Makers
Petition Updates
Share this petition
Petition created on June 25, 2020