As we grow the city of Bellingham, we must also take into account the histories behind our roads, monuments, and locations. In recent years we have changed the name of a bridge named after the same person, George Pickett, as well as Indian Street by Western Washington University. We must continue to push for a safe community that isn't inspired by racist figures from the past.

While we move forward and continue pushing the Black Lives Matter movement, part of what we are doing is creating change locally. Changing the name of this road is the next step to normalizing and creating a more equitable space. Racism is not welcome in our beautiful community and allowing streets to be inspired by racism holds our black community behind us. We need change and we need to commit to supporting minorities and creating progressive change that we see elsewhere.