PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — Philadelphians mobilized in an effort to rename Taney Street, named for a problematic figure in U.S. history. The group gathered Saturday at Markward Playground to sign a petition that they plan to submit to City Council.
Taney Street is named after Supreme Court Justice Roger Taney.
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Taney authored the controversial Dred Scott decision that ruled Black people weren’t U.S. citizens.
READ MORE: Penn-Delco School District Approves Diversity Committee After Sparking Controversy With Board MemberThat stands out as one of the most racist decisions the Supreme Court ever made.
“You know, we’re in a moment right now of change where people with privilege need to recognize that there have been made for a long time. This street has had this name for 160 years and a lot of people have very strong emotional attachments to it, but it’s named after a very problematic figure,” Ben Keys, who lives on Taney Street, said.
MORE NEWS: Philadelphia Residents Enjoy Warmest Day In Over 5 WeeksThe group says it wants a more racially inclusive street name that helps promote the community’s diversity. To sign the petition online, click here.