Renaming The Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge To The Harry S. Truman Memorial Bridge. 

Our country is desperate to keep its head above water in the fight for equality and justice during these revolutionary times. In order to move forward completely, without setbacks caused by memories of our painful history, some things must change permanently. True change and progress comes when we celebrate the historic events and people who brought us together, as opposed to those whose only mission was to divide us.

As we weigh Wilson's commitment to racism and his harmful "nadir" contributions made to this nation, we can clearly see his goal were the complete opposite to what our country was striving to achieve. As President of the United States, Wilson's attempts to set back the progress of the African American people and scrub history of the events that led up to our country's Civil War, do not reflect well on his legacy. His attitude and actions fueled white supremacy, giving people a sense of right and obligation to embrace their racist opinions. The violence and inequality he perpetrated on the African American community remains a struggle evident even today.

Constructing monuments of historical significance is a form of pride and in such cases this; bridges are constructed as a means of connecting and improving relationships between state lines. This bridge in particular, stands for a connection and understanding, not to mention appreciation, for these states' cultural differences, which significantly contradicts President Wilson's legacy. The American people remember his idea of a "perfect" America being one that thrived on white terrorism, racism and segregation. They know of his attempt to reverse the progress of our country through segregation and his role during the era of confederate monuments being constructed across our nation, igniting one of the greatest Civil Wars in the United States. He was a president who fought for the preservation of the confederacy while ignoring the preservation of the country. In his final speech as President, he stood firm in his beliefs unapologetically by saying "I'm not one of those that have the least anxiety about the triumph of the principles I have stood for" - Woodrow Wilson

 At the end of Woodrow Wilson's presidency he refused to apologize for his behavior and the things he condoned which contributed to feeding people's unbalanced, unfair, and disgustingly inappropriate views of African Americans. Which brings us to the question ----"What type of legacy do we condone in our Presidential history?"  The question is important because it has a powerful impact on the message sent to the citizens of this country and its allies. It also begs the consideration of honorably changing the name of the Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge to The Harry S. Truman Memorial Bridge. While we may not have the ability to correct the wrongs of the past, nor the opportunity to rewrite American history, we DO have an opportunity to take a stand and make changes to something that currently serves as a reminder of said wrongs.

----Why Harry S. Truman is more appropriately deserving of having his name attached to this landmark?----

Despite his upbringing by parents whose childhood was deeply rooted in white supremacy, stemming from a household in which their grandparents were slave owners, he understood his position as President of the United States and the responsibilities that came with it. Truman was inaugurated as the 33rd President shortly after the death of Franklin D. Roosevelt. Upon his induction into the White House, he immediately went to work for the American people. His actions went against everything his parents had tried to instill in him regarding the African American community.

Truman was quick to expedite matters on the issues of racism in our country.

He was the 1st President in U.S  history to address the NAACP in his keynote speech at the Lincoln Memorial voicing his concerns regarding the brutality and lynching of the African Americans within our country. 

Truman was the 1st President in U.S history that used and EXECUTIVE ORDER to implement civil right policies initiating the end of segregation across the entire Federal Government which sparked the beginning of Civil Rights Movements across the country. 

Truman was the 1st President in U.S history to form the Committee on Civil Rights, securing and protecting the rights of African Americans AND women against segregation and discrimination by encouraging the Justice Department to postulate on behalf of plaintiffs fighting against segregation at the Supreme Court Level. 

President Harry S. Truman dominated and exemplified the true meaning of a humanitarian in his position through his Fair Deal, which was inclusive of nationwide increase in minimum wages, medical insurance, federal housing programs and social security. Another of his legislative success was the Housing Act of 1949.

President Harry S. Truman, while facing some of the worst challenges during his presidency, was nothing short of a remarkable leader. His dedication to his country as its President was unequivocally unmatched by any other president during his lifetime. He set forth on a mission from day one, to mend our country by BRIDGING the racial gap in our society. He deserves the honorable recognition for his selfless sacrifices for his country. This is why I propose the renaming of the Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge to the Harry S. Truman Memorial Bridge

Our country deserves a show of respect and recognition for the horrendous injustices Woodrow Wilson bought to the lives of the ancestors of our country especially the African American community, which still bleed into society today. The renaming of this historical bridge will be a refreshing reminder the U.S Government is eager to right the wrongs of the past.

---Let people see this landmark given Harry Truman's name to signify unity, respect and integrity for ALL AMERICANS regardless of color. ---

• "Visionaries with good hearts, bring the world together not tear it apart" - Regan Samaroo

Harry S. Truman was the Blueprint Of A True Visionary. 

Please show your support by signing this petition and preserving the legacy of a true humanitarian who fought for ALL Americans selflessly  - Regan Samaroo