If you’re from or live in Tennessee you may have seen the sign for a state funded park named after Nathan Bedford Forrest (exit 133 on I-40 West) who was a leader in the Confederate Army, an opposer of Reconstruction and a KKK founder. This is not only offensive to any African American who experienced the segregated South but also to our African American ancestors who fought and died for this State and country.

 If that's not enough, "Forrest’s most controversial action as a field commander would come in April 1864 at the Battle of Fort Pillow in Tennessee. After capturing the federal garrison by force, Forrest’s men reportedly killed over 200 Union soldiers, many of them black troops who had formerly been slaves. While Forrest and his men would claim the fort’s occupants had resisted, survivors of what became known as the “Fort Pillow Massacre” argued that Forrest’s men had ignored their surrender and murdered dozens of unarmed troops. The Joint Committee on the Conduct of War would later investigate the incident and agree that Forrest’s men had committed an unjust slaughter." (Excerpt from Source )

It is extremely sickening that we as a State would support such a divisive person who was a racist and vehemently opposed equality and justice for all individuals. In this day and age, we must show that anyone who ever hated any human being, particularly African Americans, will not be allowed to be recognized by the State in any significant way other than in a historical museum.

What side of history will you be on?

This petition is the start of change we so desperately need to ensure a welcoming environment for all people in this State.

We are pushing for our State to recognize its past failures and move forward with clear intention to show that it respects and values all ethnicities. This can be done by removing the interstate sign and renaming not only the state park currently named after Nathan Bedford Forrest but, also any other monuments, signs or schools, etc... honoring the Confederacy.