Jim Crow laws were both state and local laws that forced racial segregation onto society. From White's only bathrooms, water fountains, and diner counters to schools, bus seats and the military, "separate but equal" was always a legal way to legitimize racial oppression. As a body of law, Jim Crow institutionalized economic, educational, and social disadvantages for African Americans and other people of color living in the South.

Born from the last gasps of institutionalized racism, Jim Crow represents how hard the South fought against equal freedoms and protections for people of color. Memorializing these hateful, ignorant and repressive laws by keeping this street name is a hard insult to our brothers and sisters of color.

It's time to let the world know that the South is better than what we have been, that we're proud of our growth and inclusiveness, that all are equal in the eyes of our society.

As such, we are petitioning to have Jim Crow Rd. in Flowery Branch, Ga. renamed to Fellowship Rd. Let us all come together to heal wounds, make amends and build a better future for the South and for Georgia.