A new bill in St. Louis proposes renaming a section of Tucker Boulevard near City Hall to honor Michael Brown Jr., almost ten years after his death. Alderman Rasheen Aldridge introduced Board Bill 69, suggesting the honorary street name "Michael O.D. Brown Way" for the stretch between Clark Avenue and Market Street. The bill highlights Brown's impact on St. Louis, the nation, and the world.
Michael Brown Jr., an unarmed 18-year-old Black man, was shot and killed by police officer Darren Wilson on August 9, 2014, following an altercation. This incident, linked to Brown being suspected of stealing from a convenience store, sparked national attention on police brutality and racial inequality, coinciding with the early days of the "Black Lives Matter" movement. Brown's death triggered weeks of protests and confrontations in Ferguson and other cities.
The proposed bill mentions that Brown's death led to political changes in St. Louis, fostering a coalition that reformed city politics and facilitated the election of more Black candidates. Aldridge, who has served on the Ferguson Commission, aims to recognize Brown's legacy through this honorary naming.
To rename the street, at least 60% of registered voters or business owners along the affected stretch of Tucker Boulevard must sign a petition, which the Board of Aldermen would then need to formally recognize.
Currently, St. Louis has several honorary street names, including those named after former Cardinals broadcaster Jack Buck, former Blues player Brett Hull, and Civil Rights activist Dred Scott.
Link: Fox2 Now
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