pages: RecreationandParkCommission/2018-04-12.pdf, 4
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RecreationandParkCommission | 2018-04-12 | 4 | Exhibit 1 From: Rasheed Shabazz [mailto:hopein510@gmail.com] Sent: Tuesday, April 3, 2018 1:02 PM To: Amy Wooldridge <AWooldridge@alamedaca.gov> Subject: Rename Jackson Park: Justice Park Peace Commissioners, I write you to ask for your support in removing racist memorials from Alameda public space by renaming Jackson Park. Over the past three years, a renewed effort to eliminate and remove monuments to white supremacists in public space has taken place throughout these United States and the world. In addition to memorials to the Confederacy, other symbols of colonialism, slavery, and genocide have been removed or come under increased scrutiny. This past January, parents at Haight Elementary School petitioned to rename their school after learning the school's namesake, Henry H. Haight held bigoted, racist, and xenophobic views. Haight was considered a "strict Jacksonian Democrat" in the 1860s. The first School Renaming Committee meeting takes place on April 9. Jackson Park should be renamed due to his treatment of African and Indigenous or Native American peoples. The particular actions of Jackson that have led to his monuments and name being removed include: Jackson held hundreds of African people in captivity at the Hermitage. In addition to being a slaveholder/owner, he earned the nickname "Indian Killer" for his participation in the murder of indigenous people. As President, he advocated for the forced resettlement of indigenous people in the Southeast, commonly called the "Trail of Tears." As mentioned, there is recent precedent for renaming spaces named after Jackson. A Salt Lake City School Board recently renamed Jackson School. Democrats in Virginia recently renamed their annual Jefferson-Jackson Dinner. Before Trump came into power, abolitionist Harriet Tubman was set to replace Jackson on the $20. Alameda should not memorialized President Andrew Jackson with a park. On the eve of the 50th anniversary of the assassination of Rev Martin Luther King Jr, during this "Season of Nonviolence", it is unconscionable that Alameda would have a park named after a man who earned the nickname, "Indian Killer." As Commissioners responsible for the naming of our public parks, I urge you: Rename Jackson Park to Justice Park. Additionally, please consider a developing a process for a project that memorializes the communities Jackson oppressed. This would be an effort towards Justice and creating public spaces for all. Thank you in advance for your consideration and hope to be engaged in this conversation and action with you all soon. Sincerely, Rasheed Shabazz | RecreationandParkCommission/2018-04-12.pdf |