ARIZONA NEWS

City of Tempe will consider renaming locations tied to former, local KKK members

Oct 17, 2021, 7:00 AM | Updated: 6:39 pm

Tempe Council Chambers (City of Tempe Government/Facebook Photo)...

Tempe Council Chambers (City of Tempe Government/Facebook Photo)

(City of Tempe Government/Facebook Photo)

PHOENIX — In an upcoming session, Tempe city council members will consider renaming city parks, streets and schools that have been linked to a local Ku Klux Klan chapter from the 1920s, officials said Friday.

Research done by the Tempe History Museum showed that three schools within the Tempe Elementary School District — Laird, Gililland and Hudson — as well as Hudson Drive, Hudson Lane, Laird Street and Hudson, Harleson and Redden parks all hold names after deceased members of the KKK’s Butte Chapter No. 3.

The council will meet to discuss the issue, and intends to follow the outlines of a council-approved facility naming policy last updated in 2017.

“Bringing this issue forward for community awareness and consideration is the right thing to do,” Andrew Ching, city manager, said in a statement.

“Together we can acknowledge the past and make purposeful decisions that reflect our community values of equality and anti-discrimination.”

Representatives from multiple Tempe groups will be included in the committee, such as the Neighborhood Advisory Commission, the Human Relations Commission, the Tempe Elementary School District and the African American Advisory Committee.

As the city works to consider renaming such locations, it is working with family members who have city-owned locations named for their ancestors to ensure inclusions in the conversations.

Background materials for the discussion are available online and an online hub is to be launched with information about the renaming process and a chance for public input.

The meeting is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. and can be streamed live on the city’s website and YouTube page and broadcast on the Phoenix Channel 11 station.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

The evacuation order for the Brady Fire was lifte on Wednesday....

KTAR.com

Evacuation order lifted for residents near Brady Fire south of Prescott

The evacuation order for a community threatened by the Brady Fire south of Prescott was lifted on Wednesday evening, authorities said.

2 hours ago

off-road vehicle crash...

Kevin Stone

2nd teen in off-road vehicle crash at Phoenix canal has died

The second teen involved in an off-road vehicle crash at a Phoenix canal last week has died, authorities announced Wednesday.

3 hours ago

Two men were injured on Wednesday night when a suspect opened fire at a group of unsheltered people...

Kevin Stone

Suspect opens fire at unsheltered people at Tempe park, injuring 3

Three people were injured on Wednesday night when a suspect opened fire at a group of unsheltered people in Tempe, authorities said.

3 hours ago

A confiscated firearm is seen sitting on a table at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport on Feb...

Serena O'Sullivan

Phoenix Sky Harbor hopes to cut down on amount of firearms in security checkpoints this year

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport officials are trying to educate passengers on how to at properly travel with firearms.

4 hours ago

The Phoenix Zoo announced a new habitat 'Big Cats of Arizona: A Bridge to Arizona Wilderness' will ...

Bailey Leasure

Big cats of Arizona habitat set to open at Phoenix Zoo

The Phoenix Zoo announced a new habitat 'Big Cats of Arizona: A Bridge to Arizona Wilderness' will be opening at the zoo in April. 

4 hours ago

I-10 Broadway Curve Improvement Project...

Danny Shapiro

New lanes open to motorists as part of I-10 Broadway Curve Improvement Project

The I-10 Broadway Curve Improvement Project is one step closer to completion after new lanes on the highway recently opened, transportation officials announced Wednesday.

5 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Asset Preservation Wealth & Tax

How to optimize the most money in 2024 tax returns

As tax season begins, getting your financials in order is important to maximize your tax return.

...

Bright Wealth Management

How IRAs are a helpful tool in retirement planning

When it comes to retirement planning, individual retirement accounts (IRAs) can be a great tool for income growth.

...

Day & Night Air Conditioning, Heating and Plumbing

Why a Heating Tune-Up is Essential Before Winter

PHOENIX, AZ — With cooler weather on the horizon, making sure your heating system is prepped and ready can make all the difference in staying comfortable this winter.

City of Tempe will consider renaming locations tied to former, local KKK members