News Summary
The Kansas City City Council has postponed the proposal to rename Troost Avenue to Truth Avenue, citing a lack of support. Community leaders advocate for the change, citing historical issues tied to its current name. Opponents express concerns over preserving history and the potential impact on residents. Mayor Lucas has suggested further community engagement before revisiting the proposal. The issue reveals deep divides in community sentiment regarding race and historical context.
Kansas City – The Kansas City, Missouri, City Council has once again postponed the proposal to rename Troost Avenue to Truth Avenue during a committee meeting held at City Hall on Tuesday. The City Council’s Special Committee for Legal Review convened to discuss the issue but determined there was not enough support to advance the renaming effort.
Despite the ongoing discussions, Troost Avenue’s historical association with Benoist Troost, a former slave owner, remains a focal point of contention. Community leaders and residents have expressed the need to address the unpleasant history associated with the street and consider a name change as a form of reconciliation.
Yashi Poindexter, CEO of AiZen Root Remedy, highlighted the positive growth and changes happening on Troost Avenue while addressing customer concerns about the street’s name. The lack of effective dialogue around the renaming issue has been highlighted by Councilwoman Melissa Robinson, representing the 3rd District and a strong advocate for the name change. She noted that this marks the third occasion in the past two years that the renaming proposal has been brought before the council.
The proposed ordinance included a budget allocation of $50,000 for the removal and replacement of street signs associated with the name change. Support for renaming Troost Avenue comes from several local business owners, including those of Ruby Jean’s Juicery and The Combine KC, who believe the change would better reflect the values of the community.
On the other hand, some opponents caution that renaming Troost Avenue could be seen as an inadequate response to racial inequality. These critics argue for the preservation of the street’s historical significance rather than viewing a name change as an essential step toward justice. Concerns were also raised about the potential impact on residents and local businesses, especially relating to address changes due to the renaming.
At the meeting, Mayor Quinton Lucas proposed to table the renaming discussion for additional community engagement. This suggests a desire to foster broader input on such a significant change to a well-known street name. Lucas has previously opposed potential changes, emphasizing the adverse effects renaming might have on existing businesses and residents living along Troost Avenue.
Community sentiments surrounding the name change are deeply divided. Some view renaming as a necessary act to confront a legacy of oppression, while others see it as an effort that could lead to the erasure of historical context. The recent council meeting witnessed testimonies from both supporters and detractors, highlighting the complex and sensitive nature of the issue.
Despite the committee’s decision to delay further consideration, Councilwoman Robinson remains committed to advocating for the renaming of Troost Avenue, describing the outcome of the meeting as a “day of denial.” In an alternative proposal, Lucas suggested considering an honorary name change for Troost Avenue, which might balance acknowledgment of its history while moving toward a new identity.
Community advocate Chris Goode expressed frustration over the persistent inability to bring the renaming proposal to fruition, noting the significant community support reflected in over 12,000 petition signatures. Goode underscored that the name Troost embodies a legacy of oppression and that renaming is essential for racial reconciliation in the community.
For now, Troost Avenue retains its name, but advocates like Poindexter are determined to continue pushing for its evolution. The ongoing debate around the renaming of Troost Avenue reveals the deep-rooted tensions within Kansas City concerning historical context, race, and the importance of symbolic changes in street names.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
New Center for Healing and Justice to Transform Kansas City
Kansas City Proposes Renaming Troost Avenue to TRUTH Avenue
Additional Resources
- KSHB: Latest Effort to Rename Troost Avenue
- Kansas City Star: Troost to Truth
- KCTV5: Calls to Rename Troost Avenue
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Troost Avenue
- Google News: Troost Avenue Name Change
