The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed the city of Alexandria, Virginia’s renaming of streets previously named for Confederate military and political figures.
In June, North Breckinridge Place will be renamed Harriet Jacobs Place, in honor of Black abolitionist who established the first Free school for African-American children in the city. Early Street will be renamed Earley Street, in honor of Charity Earley, a pioneer for African-Americans in the Army. Forrest Street will be renamed Forest Street, and Jordan Street will remain Jordan Street, but will be rededicated to honor Thomasina Jordan, who was the first Native American to serve in the U.S. Electoral College.
SEE: Alexandria Renames Streets Currently Named for Confederate Leaders
“We welcome the fact that these street names will no longer honor traitors who defended slavery and will instead celebrate those who made positive contributions to our nation,” said CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper. “We urge cities nationwide to take similar actions to remove the terrible legacy of the Confederacy.”
He said Washington, D.C., based CAIR has repeatedly called for the removal of Confederate names, holidays, flags, statues, and symbols nationwide.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, e-Mitchell@cair.com; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, rmccaw@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com, CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com