To our mayor, the city council members of Mobile, and to the other leaders and law makers of our city and state, this is a public purpose petition asking our representatives to reflect the inclusive mindsets and social progressiveness of the majority of the citizens of Mobile and CHANGE THE NAME OF THE GEORGE WALLACE TUNNEL TO THE VIVIAN MALONE TUNNEL. This change will ensure faith and confidence in the “One Mobile” agenda. With this simple, but meaningful action, Mobile can become a leader in social growth and development in the state of Alabama, which will bring economic growth and opportunity to more of our citizens. It is proven that inclusion and representation has a positive effect on the economy and society as a whole.

   “Segregation now, segregation tomorrow, and segregation forever.” Those were the words of former governor Wallace of Alabama in 1963. He went against federal justice department orders when he attempted to deny access to the University of Alabama to two students, James Hood and Vivian Malone. The tunnel was built 10 years later in 1973 in spite of his audacious behavior. His words do not represent the hearts of the majority of the ppl in our city or our state. Honoring people who have used that kind of language threatens the One Mobile agenda. This is why we, the citizens of Mobile, are requesting to change the name of the George Wallace Tunnel to the Vivian Malone Tunnel.

   Vivian J. Malone was a graduate of Central High School in Mobile. She was met with extreme resistance from the former governor, but still became the first African American student to graduate from the University of Alabama. Her determination and hard work in the face of all of the adversity demonstrates the character that should be in the heart of each and every citizen of Alabama; a true legend. Changing the name of the tunnel to the Vivian Malone Tunnel would bring her journey full circle.