New Orleanians are hoping to rename NOLA’s Lee Circle in honor of the recently deceased musical legend Allen Toussaint.
Beloved New Orleans Icon Allen Toussaint Has Passed Away At 77 (A Retrospective)
NOLA musician Glen David Andrews suggested the idea via Twitter on the day of Toussaint’s passing:
Since then, a petition has been launched urging New Orleans mayor Mitch Landrieu to change the name of Lee Circle to Allen Toussaint Circle. The petition reads,
“There isn’t a more fitting individual or a less divisive solution to the ‘monument issue.’ Few New Orleanians have contributed so much to the city, the nation and the world – advancing our culture, creating amazing music with such a huge diversity of artists. As Jazz Fest’s Quint Davis said, ‘he was a one-man Motown.’
Only Louis Armstrong could approach his stature, and of course he has a park named in his honor.
At this time of great sorrow for all lovers of New Orleans music and culture, such a move would unite us in a way we have not see since the events of 10 years ago.”
Citizens nationwide have been calling for the removal of public monuments that honor the Confederacy since a series of racially motivated attacks left several dead this summer. Landrieu reacted by getting rid of Confederate monuments around the city, including a statue of General Robert E. Lee at Lee Circle, so the idea is definitely not far-fetched. Changing the name of Lee Circle to Allen Toussaint Circle would certainly be a fitting solution to this controversy, while honoring a legend who has contributed so much to New Orleans and the world.
Support the cause here!
[H/T OffBeat. Cover photo by Erik Kabik]