Fight to rename the streets of Abilene after historic rulers were pushed back by the community
ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – An Abilene nonprofit, Let Us Breathe, attempted to have the names of two streets changed to honor two key black historical figures in the city. However, the request was refused by the planning and zoning board – not because they do not want to honor these people, but because of the problems that could arise.
Let Us Breathe requested that the name of North 9e The street between Ash Street and Plum Street be permanently changed to Allie Ward Drive, and Ash Street between North 9e North Street 8e The street be permanently changed to Raymond Hayden Drive.
“We want to honor and preserve historic black scouts throughout the community,” the organization told KTAB/KRBC in a statement.
Allie Ward was the first black teacher employed by Abilene ISD and Raymond Hayden was the first black coach at Woodson.
Dr. AC Jackson represented this request and explained why the nonprofit wanted to make this change.
“The driving force is that I think road signs should now be used as landmarks on the ground,” Jackson explained.
The presentation of the organizations at the planning and zoning meeting raised some concerns, including one from Mount Zion Church pastor Demotis Sherman. He has already experienced a street name change in front of the church.
“We’re going to be surrounded by two name changes, and it’s going to be chaotic for me,” Sherman said.
Another concern was raised by Andrew Penns, a local landowner and member of the “I-CAN” group.
“It doesn’t add to the history of the neighborhood but takes it away. Ash Street has been in this neighborhood for many years,” Penns said.
Penns also opposes the idea because Let Us Breathe hasn’t come to his “I-CAN” group, which has overseen change in the neighborhood for years.
“We are a neighborhood association, so there should have been contacts there,” Penns explained.
Penns added that these people are already being honored at the cultural center.
Planning and zoning commission chairman Clint Rosenbaum said he was not against the change, but “there is more opposition presented here today than there is. to”.
Even if the request was denied, changing street names is still possible if Let Us Breathe files an appeal to be brought before the city council.
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