The New Orleans Street Renaming Commission has issued a revised list of streets and parks slated to be given new names as part of the Commission’s aim to remove the names of people who memorialize white supremacy on the City of New Orleans.
One street Norman C. Francis Parkway is the former Jefferson Davis Parkway, so named for the former President of the Confederate States of America.
Other streets to be changed include Robert E. Lee Boulevard which will changed to Allen Toussaint Boulevard, as the renowned songwriter and singer lived on that particular street.
Lee Circle, site of the former Robert E. Lee statue will be changed to Harmony Circle.
An earlier recommendation to rename it for Civil Rights icon and Restauranteur Leah Chase was dropped after it was decided to rename Orleans Avenue, where her restaurant Dooky Chase’s is located, and will serve as a closer connection to the community she inhabited.
Washington Artillery Park, named for a Confederate artillery battalion will recast as Oscar Dunn Park.
Dunn was the first Black lieutenant governor. He was also acting governor for more than a month following an accident that befell Governor Henry Warmoth.
The Times-Picayune/New Orleans Advocate says panel indicated it may change its list before submitting a final report to the City Council later this month.
The New Orleans City Council will have final say over the renaming of streets.