Louisiana House Bill HR93

Louisiana 2010 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/17/10
• Passed: 5/18/10

Caption

Urges and requests the Port of New Orleans to rename the St. Claude Avenue Bridge to the Homer Plessy Bridge

Impact

If adopted, the renaming of the St. Claude Avenue Bridge would serve as a symbolic gesture towards acknowledging and confronting the history of racial inequality in the United States. It provides an opportunity for reflection on the struggles against the 'separate but equal' doctrine established by the Supreme Court case, which upheld racial segregation for decades. This move could inspire educational initiatives and cultural recognition of Plessy’s contributions to the ongoing fight for equality and against systemic racism.

Summary

House Resolution 93 (HR93) urges and requests the Board of Commissioners of the Port of New Orleans to rename the St. Claude Avenue Bridge in honor of Homer Plessy, a significant figure in the American civil rights movement. Plessy, who was involved in the landmark Supreme Court case Plessy v. Ferguson, epitomized the struggle against racial segregation. By designating this bridge as the 'Homer Plessy Bridge', the resolution aims to honor his legacy and promote awareness about the historical context of his actions and their impact on civil rights in the United States.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HR93 appears to be predominantly positive, particularly among civil rights advocates and supporters of historical recognition efforts. The resolution is seen as a necessary step to acknowledge the importance of Plessy’s legacy in American history. However, there may also be dissent from those who oppose changes to historical names or question the implications of renaming public landmarks.

Contention

While there may be general support for honoring Homer Plessy, there might also be underlying contention regarding the implications of renaming public infrastructure and the politicization of historical figures. Discussions around whether to prioritize the recognition of historical injustices through public memorials can lead to debates about local heritage and identity. Such discussions are essential for community engagement, as they open dialogues about the past and how it shapes present societal structures.