MEMPHIS, TN - (WMC-TV) – There is a
battle over the names of several confederate themed parks in Memphis, with a
new campaign to keep the names.
You might say, "It's
on," when it comes to the battle over the name change of the three parks. Forrest
Park in the medical district is now Health Sciences Park. Confederate Park is
now Memphis Park and Jefferson Davis Park has been renamed Mississippi River
Park. The supporters aren't going anywhere.
"No, we're not giving
up the fight at all," Lee Millar with the Sons of Confederate Veterans said. "We're
very dedicated and committed to save the names of the parks and observing
Memphis history."
And the first volley is a full
page $2,500 ad paid for by Citizens to Save Our Parks.
The ad asks people to
e-mail city council members asking them to reconsider the name changes for the
three parks: Forrest, Confederate and Jefferson Davis parks.
"I think it's great
that Memphians are becoming involved in this issue," Memphis City Council member
Myron Lowery said. "The city council will be appointing a committee of
community residents."
Lowery says he didn't
necessarily want the parks' names changed when he sponsored a resolution to
change the name of Forrest Park to Forrest Wells Park to also honor anti-lynching
journalist Ida B. Wells. But the war had
started, and the names were changed. Lowery says he is getting emails and calls
from people on both sides. A public
outcry is also what started the campaign to stop the name changes.
Lee Millar says Citizens
to Save Our Parks is made up of citizens and several historical societies
including the Black Confederate Veterans Association. And they are asking for
contributions.
"The Citizens
to Save Our Parks is raising money for the publicity, for mailing and for
newspaper ads like this, and if it has to go to legal action, to pay for
attorneys fees," Millar said.
Myron Lowery
says the city council committee will listen to what citizens have to say about
the three parks and then make recommendations. The ultimate decision is up to
the city council.
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