We are calling for the Phoenix City Council to rename Robert E. Lee Road in Phoenix, AZ. In 1961, right in the middle of the Civil Rights Movement, Robert E. Lee Road was dedicated in Phoenix. A literal slap in the face to the millions of black Americans fighting for equality and justice after years of oppression. The street is still present in 2020 as we continue to fight against systemic racism and police brutality against people of color. It is time for the Phoenix City Council to stop the glorification of a traitor to this country and rename the street

What we do in the memorial spaces says a lot about who we are.The ways that we shape and mythologize the past tells us what we think about the present and our current social milieu. Dedicated during the Civil Rights Movement, this street, under the pretense of reverence and remembrance, serve as a reminder that the ever-watchful eye of those in power will do whatever it takes to maintain that power. What effect does this street name have on the individuals who must pass it every day? The black Americans that might even occupy a house on this road. The daily reminder of a time when their ancestors were enslaved for who they were just because of the color of their skin. Robert E. Lee was a traitor to this country. We should not be glorifying him. Let him remain in the history books for kids to remember and learn about this dark stain on America, not on the street signs.

New Orleans mayor, Mitch Landrieu spoke about a friend who asked him to think about an African American girl who must pass monuments and street names that depict or are named after people like Robert E. Lee, Jefferson Davis, and P.G.T. Beauregard every day. What would her parents say to her about the statues immortalizing these Confederate leaders? Landrieu continued by rhetorically asking, “Can you look into that young girl’s eyes and convince her that Robert E. Lee is there to encourage her? Do you think she will feel inspired and hopeful by that story? Do these monuments help her see a future with limitless potential? Have you ever thought that if her potential is limited, yours and mine are too?” This is the heart of this discussion. What message do these monuments send to that young girl and others? The “heroes” stand on pedestals and basically tell her, “You do not belong here. If you choose to stay, I have my eye on you.”

Sign this Petition and demand that the Phoenix City Council change and remove this street name forever!!