As a Black woman who once lived in Coon Rapids, MN, (and still resides in the state), I find myself in an uncomfortable position every time I utter the name of the city. The term "coon" has a long history of being used as a racial slur against African Americans and it is distressing to have this derogatory term embedded in the place I once called home.

The word "coon" was popularized as a racial insult during the minstrel shows of the late 19th century and continued its harmful usage throughout the 20th century (source: Oxford English Dictionary). It's not just about changing a name; it's about acknowledging our past, learning from it, and making conscious efforts towards creating inclusive communities.

In recent years, we've seen successful efforts to remove racially offensive language from public spaces. For instance, Squaw Valley Ski Resort in California decided to change its name due to its derogatory connotations towards Native American women (source: Associated Press). We can follow their lead here in Minnesota.

By renaming Coon Rapids with something that respects all citizens equally, we can take one more step toward equality and inclusivity. Let's create an environment where everyone feels comfortable and proud of their hometown. Please sign this petition if you believe that our city deserves a name free from racial slurs.