Republican have back a bill that seeks to rename part of a Tennessee street named after the legendary civil rights leader. They bill proposes to rename part of the free way to “honor” the former President Donald Trump.
John Lewis passed away in 2020 and a part of the Nashville Street was named after him by the Nashville’s Metro Council to recognize his services. The Tennessee State Legislature office building is located on John Lewis Way.
The bill has been sponsored by Tennessee Republican State Representatives Paul Sherrell (R) and Frank Niceley. The Nashville’s Fifth Avenue was named after Lewis. The proposed stretch of the Avenue falls James Robertson Parkway and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard.
Trump had controversially said three years ago that he did know Lewis and he would not say if he liked him “one way or the other.”
The move comes in the wake of “Black History Month” which is celebrated every year in the month of February.
Black Councilwoman ZulfatSuara has blasted the move. “This is now how to govern. This is ridiculous. We are going to fight this,” she wrote in a tweet.
“OMG. I have to take a deep breath so as not to swear! What have this state become! Do some just wake up and propose the next thing that comes to mind. This is not how to govern. This is ridiculous. We are going to fight this, “ Suara added.
The Bill has been condemned by Tennessee Democrats Rep. Justin Jones. “It is yet another white supremacist attack on Black History,” Jones tweeted.
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