A New Narrative for New Orleans: Uncovering the untold chapters in the stories of our streets
By Simran Gupta, CCSRC Student Writers & Researchers Panel
Tulane University, McKay Connor Scholarship Fund Fellow
New Orleans street names are storytellers. You ride the St. Charles Streetcar through Napoleon’s victorious battles, tales of Greek muses, and former plantations. Your experience is enhanced by the symbolic street names on every corner, each unveiling a peak into another chapter of the city’s complicated book. One significant chapter is suppressed, however, by our history of glorifying the Confederacy.
The city is a melting pot stunted by this chapter of our story. The glamorous retelling of the South’s history overshadows how New Orleans was home to the largest slave trade market; instead of positively compensating for the horrors of the past, we choose to uplift Confederate oppressors for the sake of “remembrance.” Myths teach morals; yet, our past continues to characterize the streets of the 21st century.
Do not be fooled by the triumphant depiction of Southern history — from the birth of the Confederacy’s Cornerstone speech, Confederate street names and statutes were enacted for the sole purpose of maintaining white supremacy. Confederate New Orleans street names maintain our standing in a shameful time and culturally enslave African-Americans to this day.
In former Lieutenant Governor Mitch Landrieu’s speech about the removal of Confederate monuments in the city, he illustrated a scene of an African-American mother and daughter in Lee Circle. He presented the question, “Can you look into that young girl’s eyes and convince her that Robert E. Lee is there to encourage her?”
Our generation is empowered by our ability to expedite change. The successful protests of Summer 2020 following George Floyd’s death proved young people’s dedication to creating an equitable future. The New Orleans City Council Renaming Commission acted on this tragic event by addressing our city’s inclusion of Confederate street names.
After receiving numerous suggestions from our constituents of their recommendations for new street names, it became evident that this project was long overdue. Rather than celebrate a false narrative, new street names credit those who succeeded despite the Confederacy and its legacy. Young New Orleanians yearn for a tomorrow where all of us are “in that number.”
Change in familiarity is uncomfortable. What is simply Calhoun Street or Beauregard Avenue to most is someone else’s childhood neighborhood. However, a foundation of acceptance is paramount. Young locals have witnessed the shift in our standard culture of equality. While we are dedicated to preserving our beloved history, we also strive to discredit glorified corners of our story. Improved street names finally uncover the chapter untold and celebrate a fresh avenue of pride.
