In the heart of East End, a community forged by the relentless spirit and unwavering determination of African Americans, we stand at a crossroads. Our ancestors, who built this community brick by brick, did so under the oppressive shadows of slavery and segregation. Yet, every day, we travel on a highway named after Dr. Calvin Jones, a man whose legacy is entwined with the very chains that sought to bind us.

Dr. Calvin Jones was a prominent figure in the early 19th century, owning a large plantation in Wake Forest and practicing medicine. His influence extended to the establishment of the town itself, but his legacy is also tied to the systemic racism and exploitation that our community has endured. The East End, built by formerly enslaved African Americans, stands as a testament to the resilience and strength of those who fought for a better future despite the oppressive conditions imposed by figures like Dr. Jones.

This is not just a name; it is a symbol of the systemic racism and historical injustices that our town, Wake Forest, North Carolina, has yet to fully confront. The name Dr. Calvin Jones serves as a constant reminder of the inequities of our past, a past that we must acknowledge and rectify if we are to move forward as a community committed to justice, equality, and respect for all.

Renaming this highway is not merely an act of erasure but an act of liberation. It is a step towards dismantling the remnants of slavery and segregation that still linger in our society. It is a way to honor the true builders of East End – those African Americans who, despite the oppressive conditions, laid the foundations of our community with their blood, sweat, and tears.

This is a call to action, a call to honor our past while forging a path towards an equitable future. Let us not be bound by the chains of history but be liberated by the truth and justice we seek. Join me in this fight to rename Dr. Calvin Jones Highway, for a Wake Forest that stands as a beacon of true justice and equality. Make your voice heard. Sign this petition.