Growing up in Brenham, Texas, I always took pride in our little town's history and close-knit community. However, there are parts of our past that demand reevaluation in light of our commitment to inclusivity and equality. One such glaring issue is the continued presence of the name 'Toliver' on our streets and public infrastructure, which, for many residents, is a painful reminder of a darker past we should be actively working to move beyond.

The Toliver name is not just a relic of our history; it is imbued with the oppressive legacy of individuals who played active roles in perpetuating racial discrimination and segregation in our community. These streets serve as a daily reminder of inequity, causing discomfort and distress to residents who wish for our community to evolve and embrace more unifying symbols that reflect our modern values of unity and progress.

Removing the Toliver name is not about erasing history, but rather about choosing whose stories we honor and endorse in our everyday lives. There is precedent for change: many towns across the United States have taken similar steps to rename places that perpetuate the memory of such divisive figures and have successfully replaced them with names that bring people together. We can follow their example by starting a meaningful conversation about which names truly represent our community today.

I urge the Brenham City Council and local historians to come together and review the names that grace our streets, public schools, and other landmarks. Let's involve our community in this process to ensure that the names and histories we celebrate are ones we can all take pride in. As a town, we have the opportunity to set a precedent for accountability and reconciliation.

The cost of change is nominal compared to the invaluable message it sends: that Brenham values the well-being and dignity of every one of its residents. By prioritizing a more inclusive community, we open doors for future generations to grow up in a town that embodies respect, equality, and unity.

Join me in calling on the Brenham City Council to take swift and decisive action to remove the Toliver name from our streets and public buildings. Please sign this petition to help steer our community towards a more inclusive future, celebrating a shared history that truly represents the best in us all.