Douglas Park Change the Name Campaign
THANK YOU! Because of the generosity of donors like you, we were able to meet our first goal. Over the last week, this campaign has expanded significantly with the collective input of various community organizations. With their support, we are now not only seeking to rename Douglas Park, but we will also be working collaboratively to ensure the removal of all public statues, portraits, landmarks, monuments, and symbols of white supremacy in Chicago. Additionally, we will be working to uplift the name of abolitionist and freedom fighter Anna Murray-Douglass through the renaming process.
CAMPAIGN BACKGROUND:
For the last three consecutive years, the students of Village Leadership Academy have been involved in their school’s Grassroots Campaign to rename Douglas Park in the North Lawndale community to honor the life and legacy of Frederick Douglass.
From canvassing their neighborhood to train takeovers to presenting their petition to the Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners, VLA students and their dedicated educators, Bianca Jones and Jennifer Pagán, have been unwavering in their conviction and commitment to rename the park and install a playground in tribute to Rekia Boyd.
Over the past Fourth of July weekend, Frederick Douglass was trending as many individuals shared one of his most famous speeches, "What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?" We asked then that people support our park renaming efforts by contributing to the campaign. We are now asking for continued support for the campaign's expansion, which includes new short-term and long-term goals, and the creation of a sustained base of youth organizers.
Your contribution will also help ensure the success of the "Change the Name" campaign's official community relaunch on Saturday, July 18, in DouglasS Park (https://www.facebook.com/events/566008994279544/)The event will feature a free community BBQ, student-led learning circles, community canvassing, music, and a free essential supply give-away. Your contribution will be used to purchase supplies, community resources, food, provide student stipends and transportation, print flyers, distribute t-shirts, compensate educators, and help sustain additional youth grassroots campaigns.
Now is the time to remove the name of Stephen Douglas and all other vestiges of white supremacy in Chicago!
Please follow the campaign on Instagram @vla_changethename
https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/breaking/ct-met-douglas-park-renaming-campaign-20180420-story.html
