Clayton.Talk

By O.B.

March 19, 2007 8:18 AM | Link to this

I’m an African-American male who has lived in Clayton County for about 14 years. I don’t think the name ‘Tara’ should be changed to anything else. Just because an area becomes mostly black, or anything else, is no reason to go changing it’s name. Look how many Americans are complaining because of all the Mexicans who have moved into the country and are demanding certain things be changed. How many of us feel that if you don’t like something about an area you move into, you should move back to where you came from? How is this any different? If one ethnic group can move into any given area and demand that it’s historic values be changed, what’s next? America is becoming a land of wussies where laws and rules can be broken because people don’t stand up for what’s right anymore. We’ve become too accommodating. I’d hate to see MLK Blvd become George Bush Blvd simply because more whites moved into the area.

By JBird

March 19, 2007 8:19 AM | Link to this

No. The name of the road should NOT be changed. There are plenty of roads named after black political and religious leaders. The southern culture is a mix of both races. Whether the memories are good or bad it is a part of history. Those that complain about the confederate flag, finding it offensive due to slavery - were those folks around back then? Slavery has been gone for quite some time now. Why should the white community be FORCED to change anything about their heritage or culture? I don’t care what the color scheme of the county is, leave the name of the Tara Boulevard or 19/41 the way it is. Should the name of the county be changed to reflect the african-american population. I don’t think so. The black residents of Clayton County are not the only residents. You can’t have everything.

By Tanya

March 19, 2007 9:40 AM | Link to this

Why are we even talking about this…? This should not even be up for discussion as the name represents a historical era that does not need to be changed. I am a long time resident of Clayton County and would hate to see the name changed. I agree with the comments in a previous post…simply because the dynamics of an area change does not mean that its history should. Come on people…. We have alot of other important issues to take care of in Clayton than this!

By WirelessBuzz

March 19, 2007 9:47 AM | Link to this

I am not a Clayton resident but I oppose changing the name. I feel we are seeing too many long-time traditions, names, etc. that hurt no one in the Atlanta area being wiped out.

By Mark

March 19, 2007 10:00 AM | Link to this

I can’t think of a more racist reason for changing the name of Tara Blvd… the area’s predominantly black so the name should reflect that. Ok… since downtown Atlanta is becoming increasingly white, let’s change the name of MLK Jr. Blvd. and Ralph David Abernathy Blvd. to honor some white folks.

By posterchild

March 19, 2007 10:05 AM | Link to this

As a former resident of Clayton (whose family has been there for several generations), I think there are more pressing issues that should probably be taken care of before re-naming streets is even considered. Issues like education, crime, developing viable business in the area… these are things that should carry much more weight than changing the name of a street (a name that has been perfectly functionable for quite a while).

Like the others have said, we can’t go changing things just because of demographic shifts. And, if people are going to get that worked up over something as petty as a street name, well, bless your souls.

By D

March 19, 2007 10:07 AM | Link to this

it’s wrong to rename roads unless you have a really good reason, the airport is an example of changing a name without good reason, at least Tara isn’t a memorial named after someone like Hartsfield, that’s just a disgrace to rename a memeorial. but it is wrong to change this roads name for racial reasons, there is too much about race today, and if blacks willtry to move on from the tragedy of the past, much in the way the Irish have moved on from their days of being hatefully discriminated against, much in the way that the people of Europe have gotten over their enslavement by the Romans, Vikings, etc. we should be doing things to bring us together, not wasting our time on trivial little crap like this, it’s wrong, and I can prove it, reverse white flight is happening in Atlanta, when the whites take over a neighborhood it would not be ok for them to change MLK Blvd. to Abraham Lincoln Blvd., get it?

By Hutch

March 19, 2007 10:09 AM | Link to this

Don’t change the name. It’s hard enough to figure out where you’re going (or give/get directions) without the street names being changed every few years. Some consistency would be appreciated.

By BJ

March 19, 2007 10:26 AM | Link to this

Starting this blog is irresponsible journalism. Are you looking to start even more strife than already exists?This subject has been gone over and over. Leave it alone. The previous responses are right on target.

By JustMe

March 19, 2007 10:30 AM | Link to this

Thank you BJ for stating the obvious! What is the point people???? I am so sick and tired of race this, race that, discrimination here, affirmative action there. Please STOP! Why don’t we concentrate on building for our future? And before you slamming me, I am not white and I am a woman. I worked hard and got places. Stop whining and get to work!

By Lois

March 19, 2007 10:34 AM | Link to this

When reading the title of this blog, I thought discussion about the name was centering around changing the name to help improve the image of the area. This happened with Metropolitan Parkway and the new “Bankhead” Highway name change. I think that keeping the current name based on history is better than naming it based on population changes.

Besides, and on a side note, everyone still refers to “Bankhead Highway” no matter how many John Wieland homes you build there. In fact, John Wieland made a fortune fooling transplants into shelling out big bucks to live off Bankhead Highway by simply changing the name to Vinings and changing the Bankhead Highway name.

By Mark

March 19, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this

Let’s just rename all Atl roads n****. N**** road 1 N**** road 2 etc.

You people need to let go of the past, because that is keeping you down more than “da man”.

By D

March 19, 2007 10:39 AM | Link to this

it’s things like this that make me sad to see the black community going in reverse from all the gains that were made, not living the life that Martin would have wished them to live, to get along with others, not promoting separatism, not stirring up racial hate and not playing the false role of pitiful martyr. let it go, move forward, stop blaming all these people that weren’t even there, people are starting not to care when blacks have been discriminated against because of blacks awful attitudes towards everyone else. blaming anyone today, or asking for an apology from anyone today is like having two dogs, and one them craps on the carpet, then going and getting the ‘other’ dog and rubbing ‘his’ nose in it, that will not work, not for anyone on either side. and it’s horrible to see a ‘by any means necessary’ t-shirt, especially in the workplace, even Malcolm denounced that attitude as he matured. by any means necessary means, we are going to get our way by any means necessary, that could even mean if we have to kill everyone to get what we want… by any means necessary. it’s time to stop, black people are losing friends very quickly today and if they don’t move back to Martin than everyone is going to start giving the same amount of attention you would give the boy who cried wolf. my parents were white and active in the ‘South’ and preaching for fairness and civil rights, but are people like them or the white civil rights workers who were buried in an earthen dam mentioned during Black History Month? no. and this talk about Obama being too white, or even more sadly put ‘not black enough’ that’s just pathetic stuff. when black people are approx. 20% of the population they are never going to get any black person elected as President without the help of others. but little unnecesary things like this road change which is just meant to harass and punish others by trying to prove some irrational point, won’t help anybody, especially black people. (african-american, please, if black people want to call themselves the separating name of African-American, they should start doing a lot more to help Africa, with or without anyone elses help, you can start at Darfur) and let’s all remember who was taking those slaves and selling them to the white slave traders at the coast.

By MrLiberty

March 19, 2007 10:39 AM | Link to this

It is of little wonder that anyone can find their way around this city. At the drop of a hat every road name is changed just to suck up to the family of some dead person or some big campaign contributer. It is disgusting and must stop.

That being said, if Tara is changed, I think that the new name should be one of the following:

“Confederate Memorial Highway” “Confederacy Celebration Highway” “Rhett Butler Road” “Jefferson Davis Memorial Highway” “Robert E. Lee Memorial Highway” “Redneck Road” “NASCAR Parking Lot Road” “States Rights Memorial Highway” “Seccession Celebration Highway” “Ashley Wilkes Lane”

By joyce

March 19, 2007 10:42 AM | Link to this

Thank you Kimberly for keeping an open mind about renaming Tara. I’m sure the significance of the road to most of us doesn’t conjure up Gone With the Wind. There are new roads coming available for names of noteworthy people. I feel Ms. Parks should be remembered for the brave lady she was and expect something appropriate will come open. I do believe, however, that roads should only be named after deceased heros/heroines.

By Kay

March 19, 2007 10:47 AM | Link to this

To Mark, You people are not the one talking about a name change, If you are talking about native Atlantans, who happen to be african american. I agree with not changing a road name based on the racial demographics. Alot has change in Atlanta enough, its time to put a stop to it and stop putting race in a decision. It’s not just african american, its the ones who are making the decision and using any excuse for their decisions. Most of them are not African American.

By matt

March 19, 2007 10:51 AM | Link to this

let’s rename the chatahoochee to congo …

By MAXINE

March 19, 2007 10:52 AM | Link to this

WHY SHOULD IT BE RENAMED AFTER SOMEONE WHO HASNL’T BEEN HERE ALL THAT TIME AND DIDN’T DO ANYTHING TO HELP US NATIVES OF CLAYTON COUNTY.

By MAXINE

March 19, 2007 10:52 AM | Link to this

WHY SHOULD IT BE RENAMED AFTER SOMEONE WHO HASN’T BEEN HERE ALL THAT TIME AND DIDN’T DO ANYTHING TO HELP US NATIVES OF CLAYTON COUNTY.

By bboy

March 19, 2007 11:00 AM | Link to this

O.B., your comment should come first and last. You put forth the best argument. I totally agree with you.

By Koz

March 19, 2007 11:05 AM | Link to this

I think it should be renamed. Then the Georgia Legislature can issue an apology to all of us that have been disenfranchised by the name change.

By Fred Douglas

March 19, 2007 11:05 AM | Link to this

this is not what I fought so long and hard for, it wasn’t street names, there are so many more important things to work on, like ourselves, are we the black community from our own actions a people deserving of the demanding requests we make for all others? please read more about my life, please learn from the issues that were important to me then, they are still important today. and when they said I couldn’t because I was black, I did it anyway, and better than they ever thought that I could. I never said ‘oh pitiful me’ , I never looked for a welfare hand-out, I only said I believe in myself and I will overcome theses prejudices. they said I couldn’t be free, I was free, they said I couldn’t go to college, I went to college, I never let anyone hold me back, my black children today should not let anyone hold them back, especially if that person is themselves.

By GH

March 19, 2007 11:07 AM | Link to this

I think that rather then change a road’s name we should name new roads after African Americans. I think that the new roads should be named after Clayton County folks, not Rosa Parks. We did recently name a road after a lifelong Clayton County African American. I think that was an awesome idea.

By GH

March 19, 2007 11:10 AM | Link to this

I haven’t been to Bankhead Hwy. But changing Stewart Avenues name didn’t seem to help much.

By D

March 19, 2007 11:11 AM | Link to this

no one in this country should be asked to apologize for slavery until every black west African has apologized first for their role in provided blacks from other tribes to the white slavers.

By Earl

March 19, 2007 11:13 AM | Link to this

Let’s name some $hit after Victor Hill.

By D

March 19, 2007 11:13 AM | Link to this

by the way, did you know there were actually some people that were black that were slave owners in this country? what do we do with them and all of their descendents?

By Koz

March 19, 2007 11:14 AM | Link to this

No one ‘asked’ for an apology, but they did ‘axe’ for an apology.

By Mark

March 19, 2007 11:22 AM | Link to this

“African-American”?? You can’t be both. How many blacks today have ever been to Africa? And most couldn’t even find it on a map anyway.. You are either African, or you are an American. My ancestors are European, so should I call myself “European-American”?? You people need to move forward instead of backwards. You people are your own worst enemies….

By Johnny Cochran

March 19, 2007 11:23 AM | Link to this

we need an apology, because today the way the legal system works in suing everybody for every little thing as a money making venture, we need that apology, because we can use that apology an admission of guilt, then we can proceed with legal action to get all of our reparation checks, just like every group of people that ever lived on this earth that was enslaved got their money, yeah, that’s it.

By D

March 19, 2007 11:25 AM | Link to this

you can never build yourself up as a people if you are always looking to others thinking in some way their actions can do it for you.

By Ms. Writer

March 19, 2007 11:32 AM | Link to this

Clayton County needs to invest in more police before investing in signage changes.

By Nana57

March 19, 2007 11:32 AM | Link to this

Leave it alone!! There are other cultures other than african-american in Clayton County - end of discussion!!

By JimmyC

March 19, 2007 11:41 AM | Link to this

O.B. said it well. Who wants to see Jimmy Carter Blvd named after some Hispanic. The City of Atlanta went on such a name changing rampage that I can’t find my way around anymore. Enough is enough.

By Ms. Writer

March 19, 2007 11:43 AM | Link to this

FOr everyone making racist comments, white and black, you just took this discussion way too far and you are using this blog to vent your racist frustrations….

By Koz

March 19, 2007 11:47 AM | Link to this

There’s a much better outcome when people vent frustrations in a blog than in person.

By Ms. Writer

March 19, 2007 11:51 AM | Link to this

Well, while whites and blacks are arguing, illegal immigrants are bilking us for tax money and taking over entire neighborhoods, at some point we have to come together.

By NoRespect

March 19, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this

Why would you want to name a street ridden with crime, bad traffic, thugs, trashy stripmalls etc after such a respected figure, find a better street to name after Ms. Parks

By Koz

March 19, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this

If crime is a factor in renaming streets, I guess that excludes MLK Blvd from the renaming process.

By D

March 19, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this

just the fact that everybody is a racist that is frustrated over this unnecessary racial crap that is actually perpetuated by black people, is a racist statement by a black person, oh, that’s right, I forgot, black people can’t racists, my bad. black people could make huge strides in solving racism in this country if they really wanted to, but to blame others for being frustrated because of the whining, the hate, and the immaturity coming from the black community, isn’t helping. and black people should really take notice, because people are starting to see who is the problem, and they are getting real tired of being blamed and cursed for something they didn’t do and that some even fought against. the black community is losing legitimacy on this issue and people are turning off to you because of your own actions, things like even attacking Bill Cosby for trying to help the problem. we are all frustrated at the lack of true commitment from the black community to end racism, and for trying to keep it going so that the race card can used everytime the wind blows for preferential treatment.

By matt

March 19, 2007 12:24 PM | Link to this

yo, there sure are lots of racist crackers blogging today …

By D

March 19, 2007 12:30 PM | Link to this

exactly, did you notice how much trouble Michael Richards got into for saying the ‘n’ word, but how there was absolutely no problem with the ones who started the problem the racial slur ‘cracker’ themselves? and trust me, cracker IS as bad as the ‘n’ word, they are both racial slurs and they are both filled with hate. to minimalize either word would be wrong and extremely two-faced.

By Mark

March 19, 2007 12:30 PM | Link to this

Yo, there are many racist n**** blogging as well.

By Mark

March 19, 2007 12:33 PM | Link to this

I, for one, am not offended by the word “cracker”, because I know it’s true origin and meaning.

By Davona

March 19, 2007 12:33 PM | Link to this

NO! TARA Blvd should NOT be renamed. Some things should just be left alone.

By D

March 19, 2007 12:39 PM | Link to this

I don’t care for it, but I’m not offended by it because it is just a word, and the person that uses a word like that is a someone that is shallow, bitter and uninformed, someone that should be pitied and not given the time of day. and this is the exact way blacks should handle the ‘n’ word. ignore it, don’t lend it any legitimacy, it will mostly fade away. it’s only when people know name calling is hurting you that they keep using it. but the fact that I can’t even write the ‘n’ word out in full here but cracker can be used extensively clearly shows signs of racism itself. but first of all, before blacks can ever complain about anyone using the ‘n’ word, they must first completely stop using it themselves. there should be no double standards.

By Boo

March 19, 2007 12:47 PM | Link to this

Why not rename the entire county. While you’re at it, Erase everything related to slavery and the Civil War from our records and the internet. Japan has done so with it’s role in World War II. (except for when we bombed them) Before you know it, we’ll be naming roads after Islamic terrorists and other war criminals. Get real people !!! Deal with REAL issues.

By Ed

March 19, 2007 12:56 PM | Link to this

I think OB posted some very insightful words. We can’t erase our past, we can only hope to move forward and learn from it. How many people really associate Tara Blvd., with the the civil war and slavery? Tara is more entwined with the local hsitory in Atlanta than Rosa Parks is, do we know if she ever stepped foot on a the exact spot some want to name a road in her memory? Atlanta should be inclusive of everyone, and when you do something for everyone you know you can’t make 100 per cent of the people happy all the time. We should leave well enough alone. Perhaps name a new street in honor of Rosa Parks, but do not rename one.

By matt

March 19, 2007 12:57 PM | Link to this

i’m white, i only use the word cracker because me and my homies use it as a term of endearment for each other, and it also takes the sting out …

By Cletus Snow

March 19, 2007 12:58 PM | Link to this

What purpose would changing Tara Bvld. serve.I own a small business on Tara Bvld, just think how much printing would cost if it changed,in my case we have a small Mom &Pop operation it would cost more than $1500.00 dollars to change or paper work. There are many businesses much larger than ours who printing could cost thousands of dollars, who would you suggest pay for all the printing that would be neccessary. It’s a very long street and must have thousands of businesses both large and small,not to mention the confusion that stupidity at this level would cause.

By Koz

March 19, 2007 1:06 PM | Link to this

Hey Cletus, How’s Fred?

By Ms. Writer

March 19, 2007 1:16 PM | Link to this

Rename it Peachtree street like every other damn street in Georgia.

D- I am Black, I agree with you in the fact that Blacks need to stop using the n word amongst one another, it does perpetrate its use. However, I also beleive that ignorance is rainbow colored. There are ignorant Whites who think that racism is ok, there are ignorant blacks who don’t want to listen or acknowledge what Bill Cosby has to say.

By jamar

March 19, 2007 1:26 PM | Link to this

since we’re changing the name of tara blvd., let’s go ahead and change the name of clayton co.’s football field from tara stadium to o.j. simpson field. he’s a great african-american so who played football. that’s a good enough reason. the name tara is racist, let’s change it every where ..

By Ruby

March 19, 2007 1:29 PM | Link to this

No more name changes! Just leave everything as it is. Who needs the extra expense of changing signs, letterhead, etc.?

By Joe

March 19, 2007 1:30 PM | Link to this

My Daughter’s name is Tara. I’m thinking about changing it to Rosa.

By cjk

March 19, 2007 1:33 PM | Link to this

No, absolutely not. I’m tired of the way Atlanta has been “exchanging” one piece of history for another. Hightower Road and Ashby St. are examples from my side of town. And Bankhead Hwy. How many times has it been renamed? Veterans Memorial Pkwy., then Hollowell Pkwy. And the latest attempt to remove a piece of art from a park that it was specifically designed for during the Olympics to replace it with a statue of someone, who I can’t remember. We can name new streets in recognition of more contemporary people and events, but original street names should remain.

By GH

March 19, 2007 1:38 PM | Link to this

Joe you are so funny.

By Mark

March 19, 2007 1:39 PM | Link to this

OJ Chimpson a great african-american ?? Jamar, he is a murderer. Is that something that you want children to idolize?

By Black Like Me

March 19, 2007 1:45 PM | Link to this

Rename it.

I don’t like the idea of renaming it after any person, living or dead, but I like the notion of naming it after an idea, like, Free At Last HWY or Let Freedom Ring BLVD.

Anyway, I’m less concerned about the name of Tara BLVD than I am about Old Dixie HWY. The latter should be renamed!

By ab

March 19, 2007 1:45 PM | Link to this

Just name the whole D@#* place Blalanta, would that be good enough, then we wouldnt have to change a freaking street name every other day.

By D

March 19, 2007 1:47 PM | Link to this

most definitely, ignorance is a cameleon, but what has me very upset is that I see black people as the main cause for racial issues today, if they would really try to make things work, things would get better rather quickly. and no, I don’t think you will ever completely stomp out racism, ignorance, intolerance, etc. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is one of my heroes and I truly believe he would be saddened by where the black community has taken things today. I just could not ever imagine him participating in something like the re-naming of the airport. I really don’t believe that when he wanted the respect that was rightfully due to him, that he also thought that meant it was ok to disrespect others. nor do I think that he would think it necessary to wipe out one bit of history and heritage to have his inserted over it, I believe he would think there is room for both and history should remembered and people have a right to be proud of their heritages and just disgraced by one or two facets of that heritage. it’s time for everyone to do their part, and it’s not uncool or treasonous to respect, like or even work together with whitey on these issues.

By TC

March 19, 2007 1:50 PM | Link to this

I have been in Clayton County all my life and I am 40+ years old. I have watched it go through so many changes and a lot not for the good. I do not think a change in road name should happen since Tara is and always will be a part of history. And why should one persons race make their history any more important than anothers? And if people would put the energy they have toward their history into the future of the school systems then maybe Clayton County would not be one of the worst in the metro area. It is sad to watch the future of a county go down because some people can’t stop living in the past. Let’s put our energy into the future and if you name something, can we name for all humans and not just African-American(and why is it all blacks have to be classed into African since many are not?) or Caucasian or Mexican or anything else. Stop focusing on one race and maybe our children will not focus on race. Let’s build parks and fix schools and name them, not because of racial lines but because of the lack of. After all, we tell our kids Variety is the Spice of Life- why not show it?

By Ms. Writer

March 19, 2007 1:55 PM | Link to this

Black people are the main cause for racism? That is the most ridiculous statement made today. Whites have the most power thus the most control. Whites control the images on television, whether it is the Asian geek or the White computer geek or the Black thug. If Blacks and other races saw themselves represented correctly and not as stereotypes, racism could begin to wane.

By nia

March 19, 2007 1:56 PM | Link to this

Will chinging the name of Tara Blvd help the traffic at all?

By Jim

March 19, 2007 1:58 PM | Link to this

When will “African” americans ever learn that they will NEVER move forward as a race until they stop thinking BACKWARD! They should QUIT blaming others for things that happened a century ago and use their energies to improve THEIR OWN people…instead of always using the “Blame Game” for their shortcomings. Unless they choose to move forward, they shall always be though of as unwanted stepchildren who have long overstayed their welcome.

By Ms. Writer

March 19, 2007 1:58 PM | Link to this

Nia - You are the voice of reason in this whole blog!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Rusty

March 19, 2007 2:01 PM | Link to this

Why is it so hard to understand the contributions Margaret Mitchell made to black college students in the form of fully paid tuitions during her life? If you are going to change the name of this road to anything, change it to Margaret Mitchell Blvd.This would be an even more deserving tribute to her contributions to the black community.

By D

March 19, 2007 2:03 PM | Link to this

most great truths spoken in history were initially viewed as ridiculous, thanks for the compliment and remember, until you can take a realistic look at yourself and admit to faults, those faults can not be corrected. but once again, racism must be perpetuated by blacks so to be able to use the race card for benefits and preferential treatment. black people know how and why the race card is used, do you actually think others are too stupid to see it too? and you should also know this, it’s a real myth breaker for ya…as a white guy, I can tell you, the only doors that automatically open for me are at the grocery store.

By Ms. Writer

March 19, 2007 2:14 PM | Link to this

If you want black people to stop using the race card, change the deck. I also believe in hard work and I dont hate white people, contrary to your beliefs. I see people black white yellow and red taking advantage of the system at different levels. I am just open-minded enough to know that no ONE race is to blame for the natural problems of the human race.

By Mark

March 19, 2007 2:14 PM | Link to this

Black like me, It’s just that. An idea. One that you people can’t grasp. Old Dixie HWy has more history than all “black history” combined. If we left street naming to you people, you’d name another road after Cynthia McKinney, who btw did NOTHING for this city.

By amber

March 19, 2007 2:16 PM | Link to this

Oh, here we go again! Do Africans actually think that this latest demand of theirs changes that fact that they cannot yet bring themselves to join the rest of us as responsible citizens in the 21st Century?

By Shawn D.

March 19, 2007 2:17 PM | Link to this

O.B. said it first and said it best!

If I move to an area, I would not have the gall to demand the area change to suit me, as Ms. Allen “a native New Yorker who relocated to Clayton county in 2004” is doing (her bio.

As others have pointed out, Ms. Parks has no connection with the area. Ms. Allen, do you think that anytime a certain racial/ethnic/social group rises to a certain level in an area, that names should be automatically be changed? How about if an run-down area with streets formerly named for black citizens of the past becomes gentrified with well-off gay folks — should the roads automatically be renamed to Judy Garland Rd. or __ (insert gay icon name here)? OK, I know that’s a snide comment, but do you get my point?

By D

March 19, 2007 2:20 PM | Link to this

here’s something for ya, three examples of why things are tough all over, Toots 1) I was laid off at my job once, I was the only white person in a dept. of ten people, the manager was black and the other employees were black, our company was about 15% black and the neighborhood demographcs were the same, yet the dept. was 95% black, when the company announced lay-offs, we ahd a black woman that was hard to get along with, didn’t do her job well and she knew it, so she went around telling everybody if she got laid off she would file a discrimination lawsuit. I got along well with the rest of the dept., had seniority and did a good job, I was laid off, even my co-workers said they wish they were rid of her. 2) watched the VH1 story of MC Hammer, a black man they interviewed laughed as he said ‘well, Hammer became unpopular when all the white people started liking him, then he wasn’t cool enough for the black community, to be black and popular, the white people need to be a little afraid of you’ watch the show, talking about ridiculous. 3)when I was growing up in Decatur blacks were moving to the suburbs, my family and I didn’t care because the content of charcater of a person was more important, but there was a lot of ignorance, as one black family moved in, two white families moved out. one day a black family moved in across the street from us, they had a son that was the same age as me, we hit it off and were glad to have somebody new to play with, after a few months there were enough other black kids in the neighborhood. he no longer would talk to me or even acknowledge my existence when there were other black kids were around, I couldn’t understand, especially after everything my parents had told me. so before black people can get what they say they want, they must sweep around their own back door first. and must realize that the treatment they receive from others has a lot to do with their own behavior.

By blah, blah, blah

March 19, 2007 2:20 PM | Link to this

I totally agree with O.B. - leave Tara Blvd. I don’t know why we have this compulsion to constantly change street names to “honor” someone. All it does is confuse people and cost tax payer dollars for all the new signage.

By yep

March 19, 2007 2:23 PM | Link to this

all of this in response to “the rumors” - WOW

By Mark

March 19, 2007 2:29 PM | Link to this

Can’t Blame White People

by Bill Cosby They're standing on the corner and they can't speak English. I can't even talk the way these people talk: Why you ain't, Where you is, What he drive, Where he stay, Where he work, Who you be... And I blamed the kid until I heard the mother talk. And then I heard the father talk. Everybody knows it's important to speak English... except these knuckleheads. Mushmouth is what they speak!

You can’t be a doctor with that kind of crap coming out of your mouth.

In fact you will never get any kind of job making a decent living.

People marched and were hit in the face with rocks to get an education,

and now we've got these knuckleheads throwing that all away.

The lower economic people are not holding up their end in this deal.

These people are not parenting. They are buying things for kids. $500 sneakers for what? And they won't spend $200 for Hooked on Phonics. I am talking about these people who cry when their son is standing there in an orange suit. Where were you when he was 2? Where were you when he was 12? Where were you when he was 18? And, how come you didn't know that he had a pistol? And where is the father? Or who is his father? People putting their clothes on backward: Isn't that a sign of something gone wrong? People with their hats on backward, pants down around the crack, isn't that a sign of something? They're walking around with their nasty underwear showing, and holding onto their pants to keep them from falling to the ground! Or are you waiting for Jesus to pull his pants up? Isn't it a sign of something when she has her dress all the way up to her line, and got all types of needle piercings going through her body? What part of Africa did this come from? We are not Africans. Those people are not Africans; they don't know a thing about Africa.

With names like Shaniqua, Taliqua and Mohammed and all of that crap, and all of them are in jail.

Brown or black versus the Board of Education is no longer the white person's problem We have got to take the neighborhood back. People used to be ashamed. Today a woman has eight children with eight different 'husbands' -- or men or whatever you call them now. We have millionaire football players who cannot read. We have million-dollar basketball players who can't write two paragraphs. We as black folks have to do a better job. Someone working at Wal-Mart with seven kids saying... you are hurting us. We have to start holding each other to a higher standard. We cannot blame the white people any longer. It is not for media or anyone of this time anymore to say whether I'm right or wrong It is time, ladies and gentlemen, to look at the numbers. Fifty percent of our children are dropping out of high school. Sixty percent of the incarcerated males happen to be illiterate. There's a correlation.

Tell the media to stop asking me what I think about people who don’t believe what I’m saying or feel that I’m too harsh or feel that I’m just running my mouth because I’m old.

Seventy percent of the teenagers pregnant happen to be African American girls.

Don't ask me to soften my message. Bill Cosby

By Ms. Writer

March 19, 2007 2:31 PM | Link to this

D - There is a singer name Donnie (underground phenomenon) who had a show at the Apache cafe. He prefaced his song called “Blue-eyed soul” (he’s black) by saying that he knows that white people are not all bad just like black people arent. In the song he thanks influences such as Steeley Dan and Janis Joplin as well as others. He also referenced the fact that black people were sold BY other blacks, whites were not the only perpetrators of the slave trade. I hear your frustration though, I have good white friends that I love with all of my heart, my aunt (I called her that, not really) was a Jewish lesbian whom I loved with all of my heart.

By Kyle

March 19, 2007 2:31 PM | Link to this

Rename Fulton County. It’s new name could be King County, after Dr. King. Leave Tara alone. And quit trying to be so damn P.C. all the time. No matter how hard you try, you’re goning to end up offending more people.

By Ms. Writer

March 19, 2007 2:33 PM | Link to this

D - There is a singer name Donnie (underground phenomenon) who had a show at the Apache cafe. He prefaced his song called “Blue-eyed soul” (he’s black) by saying that he knows that white people are not all bad just like black people arent. In the song he thanks influences such as Steeley Dan and Janis Joplin as well as others. He also referenced the fact that black people were sold BY other blacks, whites were not the only perpetrators of the slave trade. I hear your frustration though, I have good white friends that I love with all of my heart, my aunt (I called her that, not really) was a Jewish lesbian whom I loved with all of my heart.

By Kyle

March 19, 2007 2:33 PM | Link to this

Rename Fulton County. It’s new name could be King County, after Dr. King. Leave Tara alone. And quit trying to be so damn P.C. all the time. No matter how hard you try, you’re going to end up offending more people.

By ahhh

March 19, 2007 2:33 PM | Link to this

Changing the name is as stupid as the State issuing an apology for its part in slavery….Enough already! All of the people who had any part in slavery are dead as are the original slaves. We need to move on people! I do not need any politician issuing any statements on my behalf about anything, period. I personally had nothing to do with any of those decisions back then. If there is any apologies to be made, let’s make sure we include Irish-Americans and Native-Americans - they were forced into slavery too. Seems that little bit of history gets overlooked.

By Rich

March 19, 2007 2:42 PM | Link to this

I think you all are missing the point. “They” want to rename the street because when people say “Tara BLVD”, people instantly think of a bad part of town.

By D

March 19, 2007 2:44 PM | Link to this

here, here, Mark, I am one of white people that want to work together on this difficult issue, but we can’t keep getting people saying there isn’t any problem and we’re not doing anything, it won’t resolve itself. but my main concern is that white people are getting real tired, they are beginning to revert back to the apathetic ways of the past, they are starting to say ‘we tried and tried to help them, we tried to make this situation better, but blacks just keep trying harder not to get along with us and just keep blaming us more and more’, that is a major concern. I just hope that black people realize we are at a crossroads and it’s getting close to now or never time. this problem with race will take people from every group working together to make it better. the race card is quickly becoming the boy who cried wolf card, and that only hurts the black person that was truly discriminated against.

By jamar

March 19, 2007 2:50 PM | Link to this

rich you’re an IDIOT if you really think “they” want to rename tara because it’s in a bad part of town. jus axe kimbroly …

By Mrs. Ray

March 19, 2007 2:50 PM | Link to this

“Dr” King?? A doctor of what?? If he was a doctor, then he would have known what to do when you have a gunshot wound to the stomach….

In all seriousness- rename the street to James Earl Ray Blvd.

By Tara

March 19, 2007 2:51 PM | Link to this

The only thing that bothers me about Tara Blvd. is how black people insist on mispronouncing it, “Tarrah”. I’m black, my name is Tara, and it annoys the hell out of me. There is nothing, I repeat, nothing in this city that is called “Tarrah”! Get it right, folks. But no, the street name should not be changed. As a matter of fact, it irks me when street names are changed for no good reason. I’m sure my tax dollars can go towards more important things than new street signs.

By Rich

March 19, 2007 2:57 PM | Link to this

Martin Luther King - studied at Boston University and Harvard. Ph.D. degree from Boston, a Doctorate of Philosophy in Systematic Theology

By Ms. Writer

March 19, 2007 2:57 PM | Link to this

Mrs. Ray, the funny thing is that you think you made a really good joke, but your ignorance is displayed by the stupid statement assuming that a medical doctor is the only type of doctor which makes me assume that you are uneducated trash attempting to incite some type of reaction from Black people on this blog. You don’t even deserve to lick the dirt on his grave, trailer trash.

By Rusty

March 19, 2007 3:01 PM | Link to this

Mrs Ray you are an idiot thats obviously starved for attention.

By Mrs. Ray

March 19, 2007 3:05 PM | Link to this

My husband and I had a dream too. Only our’s came true.

By Cornholio

March 19, 2007 3:13 PM | Link to this

Rosa Parks?

What was her connection to Clayton County?

At least Scarlett O’Hara and Tara were fictional icons of Clayton County.

By D

March 19, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this

how worthless must a person be to say something like that Mrs. Ray, for any reason. but folks this is an individual that should be ignored and not called names like trailer trash, which is getting a little close to something like the ‘n’ word. obviously one of those darn Caucasian-Americans, sure was nice when people just wanted to be an American. something about Martin was just special, not of this world, the kind of person that rarely dies of old age, we should’ve all known we couldn’t hold on to gift as magnificent as him for very long, as was the case with another great man, and one of Martin’s inspirations, Ghandi.

By georgia native

March 19, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this

You’ve got to be kidding! Let’s see here…blacks have Bet (Black entertainment tv), Black colleges, black award shows, black history month, have of the airport’s name and even their own language. Why do they need to have another street or landmark named after them? When will the national Confederate History month be recognized? Can the South (as well as Georgia) have some white cultures back please?

By Mark

March 19, 2007 3:23 PM | Link to this

GA native- having white cultures back would be racist!! Remember- it’s all about the poor discriminated against blacks!!

By ga native

March 19, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this

Yep, I guess everything’s about them. Wanting an apology for something my ancestor’s did? It’s not my problem, can they get over it already!

By not the average black person

March 19, 2007 3:31 PM | Link to this

for Mark and others: don’t lump all black people into the same bag - many of us don’t support a lot of the causes the NAACP (Georgia’s chapter in particular) champion & are not looking for handouts. Unfortunately the negative (regardless of race, creed or color) are the ones the media claims represent us all & that’s just not true.

By Ms. Writer

March 19, 2007 3:35 PM | Link to this

Ga Native and Mark: Whites own BET, Whites began Black colleges to keep them out of their own, Whites own the television channels that show black award shows!! Spare me the white angst.

By Zephyr

March 19, 2007 3:36 PM | Link to this

Political Correctness is no different than what the Nazi’s did in the 1930s -burn books written by Jews and others they found “OFFENSIVE”, including The Holy Bible.

Sound familiar?

Black Nazi’s are uncomfortable with their history and want to rewrite it. In the process they want to reinterpret or banish the history and culture in place.

By Ms. Writer

March 19, 2007 3:39 PM | Link to this

Zephyr: What? Weirdo.

By r.o.

March 19, 2007 3:40 PM | Link to this

HECK NOOOOOOOOOOOO. Quite messing with Southern Heritage. We have lost way to many streets, parks and monuments to the P.C. crowd allready. Stop Re-Construction NOW

By D

March 19, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this

good examples of division and separation that leads to racism…black colleges, black arts festival, black music awards…that’s racism, as so many whites practiced it in the past. for these events you must be black first, and black only. Jennifer Hudson is honored on a show for everyone, but nobody other than someone that looks similar has the same opportunity. and black people never think nor seem to care what another group thinks of their group that says everything has to be inclusive the whole time creating a separate world only for themselves. ridiculous? yep. and even the whole light skin-dark skin thing amongst blacks. unbelievable. the manipulation is catching up to the black community, it’s clearly obvious in so many ways that we need to work together on fixing the many problems of this country and bypass creating problems about such stupid and silly things as skin color. I’ve always thought there are so many reasons to dislike a person on an individual basis without race even needing to rear it’s ugly head.

By D

March 19, 2007 3:45 PM | Link to this

let’s don’t forget we are now also apologizing for the things Al Sharptons and Barack Obama’s ancestors did. if you think about it we are pretty much all mutts. when you do your family tree, the first thing you must do is decide mom or dad, when you make that choice you’ve already diluted the mix 50% and you’ve only made one move.

By D

March 19, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this

what about the suffering of the Jewish and Irish people, they seemed to have moved on as much as they can and also seem to be doing quite well without need for placing blame. and can we stop bringing Democrat and Republican into so many things, that is how the politicians divide us so that we are easier to manipulate, remember when you poloarize yourself to one side or the other, you throw common sense and reason out the window, now you are also forced to defend your side no matter how badly they behave, or if you don’t someone might see the flaw in your decision and then they might even see the flaws and faults within yourself, so what? we’re not perfect, let people see your flaws, and if those flaws bother you, then work on it, but don’t become a Republican or a Democrat, stay an American first.

By D

March 19, 2007 3:57 PM | Link to this

hmmmmm, saw the owner of BET, he’s the owner of the Charlotte Bobcats, if he’s white, he goes to the same tanning salon as George Hamilton!

By Ms. Writer

March 19, 2007 4:02 PM | Link to this

Viacom owns BET, it was sold by Bob Johnson. Read please.

By WTF?

March 19, 2007 4:02 PM | Link to this

D - and we all can see that George Hamilton spends A LOT of time at the tanning salon (or somewhere trying to get darker), as do many white people in this world who want the color but not the responsibility it comes with.

By You People

March 19, 2007 4:08 PM | Link to this

When will you people learn that most black people could care less about naming a street, airport, etc. after another black person. What is renaming a damn street going to do? The streets that black people are named after are mostly crappy streets anyway, so is that an honor? And what the hell is up with saying you people? The last time I checked we were all human. Did I miss something? Please stop it with these racially motivated blogs, it does not help race relations at all. I have love for all people, regardless of race as long as they are respectful to me. With that said, I do agree the black community is going in the wrong direction and Bill Cosby is absolutely right, black people just don’t want to hear it because they know it’s the truth. I wouldn’t care if the street was named after David Duke. It is a street people, get over it.

By Dick

March 19, 2007 4:08 PM | Link to this

Change it to cotton hoeing lane.

By D

March 19, 2007 4:09 PM | Link to this

sorry, I’m illegitimate, I can’t read or write, once I got hooked on phonics but then i called someone a racial slur and went to rehab and I’m much better now, thanks for asking. and believe it or not, the ‘responsibility’ of being black can be mostly shed, if that’s what we want, once again, look at the Jewish and Irish have done to their credit, their were signs saying no Irish long before there were signs saying no coloreds. and how ‘bout some of my homeboys…Native Americans, they had it bad, and yes I do tan quite well, maybe a casino would make you feel better? I bet it would.

By Bob

March 19, 2007 4:11 PM | Link to this

If we change the names of streets every time the majority of the citizens living in that area change, we’ll be changing names a lot. But, since it’s majority black in Clayton, I say go ahead. Rename it anything you want. I can’t wait for the name to be changed and then we can stand back and see how it helped reduce crime and gang activity in Clayton as well as reducing the number of fatherless black children in Clayton. Why Clayton will become a shining light to all of Atlanta once all the street names are changed to honor black citizens. So, what’s next after street names?

By Dick

March 19, 2007 4:11 PM | Link to this

And MARK, you forgot one “where you stay at”.

By WTF?

March 19, 2007 4:11 PM | Link to this

D - wrong again, but I’m not surprised. After all, you are illegitimate.

By You People

March 19, 2007 4:12 PM | Link to this

P.S. I refuse to call myself African-American, but I can point Africa out on a map thank you very much. I am an American.

By NY Bound

March 19, 2007 4:15 PM | Link to this

I hate the south. I just moved here 7 months ago and if you ask me you’re all equally ignorant. I mean slow as hell. I’m going back to NY.

By D

March 19, 2007 4:21 PM | Link to this

you may say I am wrong but the manipulation used by blacks can be paralled by the similar technique used by bad muslims. and that is, causing many problems, becoming all inclusive for one type of person, blaming others for everything and anything that happens to them, even the things they cause themselves, and then the oh poor pitiful me thing, somebody owes me something and you don’t know how it feels to be me. the world isn’t fair, get over it, nobody owes anybody a thing. if Frederick Douglas can become the great man that he did at the time when he did, than black people today can do even better. and looking at things realistically now, I don’t think any black people in America today are looking back at the others that were left behind and saying, man, I wish I were them. slavery for any people is horrible, but somebody took their eyes off of the prize, and now it’s time to blame instead of excel.

By WTF?

March 19, 2007 4:25 PM | Link to this

D - you really need to get over it & stop assuming that all black people fall into this category because the majority of us do not! Every race has its screw ups, yours, mines, all races. The majority of african americans are hard working individuals who don’t want a handout, just a fair shot at whatever goal they are trying to attain. Some of us get that, some of us do not. Just like some white folk get it, some do not & you can substitute every race in that sentence.

By Chris

March 19, 2007 4:26 PM | Link to this

ATTENTION: White people of Atlanta. Face it. Its our city now. You still have Kentucky!

By Chris

March 19, 2007 4:28 PM | Link to this

ATTENTION: White people of Atlanta. Face it. Its our city now. You still have Kentucky!

By D

March 19, 2007 4:33 PM | Link to this

I agree WTF. but however the neutrals are also partially responsible for the behavior of the group, as is the case with Islam, the good of that group should strongly and constantly refute the people that have distorted the truth and changed something good into something bad, and everyone from that group is affected. when the race card is unfairly played, the black people that I see and know that you have spoke of, should denounce that behavior, but they should also not tolerate real discrimination, but sometimes discrimination isn’t a hurdle you go over, but one you go around or even through as Frederick Douglas did. but Bill Cosby is on to something, and instead of every other group walking on eggshells around black people, they can be made to look at you with admiration and respect from new behavior from the black community as a whole, it’s time, we’re all tired, it’s time, let’s stop, let’s move on, the reward will be much greater than anything we can obtain through the methods we use today.

By Vexorg

March 19, 2007 4:38 PM | Link to this

Gee, will we then rename Rosa Parks Blvd. to Pancho Villa Trail when all of the illegal immigrants become the majority here in Clayton County?

Remember this, when it “because its OUR turn now” when the naturalized Hispanics start running for public office….(I am willing to bet, that the majority on here does not remember which school board member used that phrase on her campaign signs)

By You People

March 19, 2007 4:43 PM | Link to this

@ true democrat Was all that really necessary? You sound like a 5 year old child with your insults. You couldn’t think of anything more constructive to say other then making fun of somebody’s physical appearance? Real mature.

By D

March 19, 2007 4:44 PM | Link to this

the truth is that the way we are doing things now isn’t working. it requires changes from everyone. most white people have really tried, they can always do more, but the effort of someone willing to work with you is there, there is no way the civil rights movement would have been sucessful without the help of people other than just the black people. when Ghandi used non-violence in India, they greatly out-numbered their oppressors, not the case here. the effort is there, with people like Bobby Kennedy to many more, how would things have been, had the whole situation been reversed?

By WTF?

March 19, 2007 4:46 PM | Link to this

D - I totally agree that Bill Cosby is absolutely correct! And as for blacks policing each other (basically what you’re saying) all we can do is try, can’t guarantee results. For example, there are white folk who don’t like blacks & were born/bred that way … I don’t see other whites trying to dissuade them from not lumping all blacks/minorities into one big bad group. Bottom line is: it doesn’t matter how much policing is done, folks draw their opinions of others based on how their were raised and/or their personal experiences. Sometimes talking isn’t enough to change their minds, we can only hope/pray that it will.

Did you know that most blacks are afraid of the other blacks who commit crimes & whatnot? We’re just as scared as you & don’t know what to do about it. Bill Cosby used his celebrity to try to get through to the others & look where that got him … a book by one of his (Michael Eric Dyson) criticizing him for his efforts & bringing up any negative thing of Cosby’s past he could. What person on this planet has a perfect past? None of us, don’t matter your race, creed or color.

And I’m really not trying to disrespect southerners, I’m just speaking what I’ve seen since I moved here 5 years ago. I have lived in Chicago, LA & NYC & never have I experienced or witnessed such hate & racism as I have in this town. Which is sad because I love my home in GA & the area in general (Clayton county, believe it or not), which is racially mixed. But why does everything here center on race relations? the author started out asking a simple question about whether Tara should be renamed & brought up reasons why for both sides. This convo has spiraled into something totally different that has NOTHING to do with that.

Is this a Georgia thing? Because I’ve never experienced such racial hate in any other major city in the USA that I’ve lived in or visited.

By D

March 19, 2007 4:51 PM | Link to this

there are just as many good and bad by percentage in the black community as there is in any group, no doubt about that fact. I am hard-core color blind, because I think if you find a truly good person in this world you hold on to them the best you can because they are more rare and valuable than any diamond, to exclude any person for skin color is complete stupidity, it’s like saying well, I don’t like them cause of that jacket they’re wearing, that too would be idiotic.

By T

March 19, 2007 4:54 PM | Link to this

We might as well name everything after Hispanics too! All of the other businesses have been taken over by them - not to mention you can’t understand a freakin’ word they say! This is America! Speak English! Lean our language! In the words of Fast Times at Ridgmont High, “Learn it, live it, love it”….

By WTF?

March 19, 2007 4:55 PM | Link to this

D - we finally agree - there is hope! :-)

By P. Ingersoll

March 19, 2007 4:57 PM | Link to this

I say leave it like it is otherwise there would be a good chance of it being changed from Tara Blvd, to Tara Circle, Tara Road, Highway Tara , Tara Lane, Tara Street, Tara Place, etc. Or better yet another Peachtree something or other. Leave it alone!

By You People

March 19, 2007 5:05 PM | Link to this

Thank you D and WTF?. You guys give me hope!

By D

March 19, 2007 5:05 PM | Link to this

I’ve listened to Mr. Dyson, he is as brain-washed as any Bush appointee, good example of a bad example. and the re-naming has everything to do with race, that’s why it’s wrong, but also as a business owner I can see what the earlier person brought up, too expensive. I was in the military, and during some life-threatening situations I never could see anything but the person when I needed help. I have to disagree about the south as so racist, philly is horrible, you don’t go off your own block, and when I went to Chicago they immediately asked me, because of my dark coloring, ‘what I was’, what ethnicity, it was the second question after my name, with a whole table of people looking at me at a Catholic wedding, that has never happened to me here. plus the fact that they asked me in a really amazed way ‘what’s it like down there in Ga. anyway?’ it was right when Jeff Foxworthy came out but nobody from anywhere else had heard of him, I told them it was ok you only have to buy one gift for your nephew and son at Christmas, one of my own, they eventually started laughing, then I told them we have shopping mall, movie theaters and grocery stores and that I’ve never met a dog named Blue. so it seemed very racially divided there.

By Shirley

March 19, 2007 5:06 PM | Link to this

Looking at your BIO I see you are a Gawd Darn YANKEE in addition to being a racist bigot.

OK, here we go again. I-75 heads NORTH and Delta is ready when U R.

Get the FRACK out here.

Shirley Franklin

By dorae

March 19, 2007 5:08 PM | Link to this

Why do we need to spend our tax dollars on changing street names? Use the money to repair the streets and coordinate lights. Any one who has lived here a while remembers the streets by their orginal names anyway. There are a lot of small business on Tara blvd. Why cause them to change all the signage and paperwork that they would have to do just for a name change. It’s a waste of our money.

By Bob

March 19, 2007 5:13 PM | Link to this

Renaming Tara Blvd. is a terrible idea. It is cost prohibitive. Just think of how many street signs would have to be replaced. I can think of any number of better things to do with that money. If you want to honor Rosa Parks, name a new facility after her, or find another option. Spending tax payers money foolishly is not the answer.

By Brenda W. Arbuckle

March 19, 2007 5:14 PM | Link to this

Keep Tara just as it is but raise the speed limit to 55 (that’s what people are doing anyway). Naming the next library, recreation center, or school after her would be more befitting.

By WTF?

March 19, 2007 5:15 PM | Link to this

D (and you people!) - this goes back to what I said about everybody’s own personal experiences … I never experienced any racial anything in Chicago or Philly for that matter, but I’ve heard that others have in both cities.

It just seems like here no matter what you start out discussing it somehow leads back to skin color. It makes me ill, seriously. As you’ve said before I don’t judge anyone based on their skin color & hope to get the same respect. But I swear, practically every blog I read on ajc.com, every vent, there’s racial undertones & usually out & out prejudice in the wording. Its really disgusting & scary. I have no children yet & I’m scared to have any here because I don’t want my kid(s) getting the wrong idea about race relations, or being judged wrongly based on someone else’s preconceived notion about who/what my kid is based on his/her skin color. Sometimes I can’t believe its 2007 here!

By D

March 19, 2007 5:15 PM | Link to this

that kinda makes me think, if there aren’t any atheists in foxholes, I bet there aren’t any racists in foxholes either! but one thing I wish the black community would do is to put more true effort into black history education. not just everybody jumping on the bandwagon when the movie Malcolm X comes out and then thinking they truly know the man from Hollywood. it disappoints me that I know more about Black History than 90% of the black people who claim to be so damn ebony. this should and can be corrected, but remember it won’t be about looking or acting black, but only about being truly black that will make this happen.

By D

March 19, 2007 5:21 PM | Link to this

do they know Crispus Addics?, do they know that Frederick Douglas taught Don King how to comb his hair? do they know who the ‘real’ McCoy was, do they know Elijah? do they know the great Ms. Chisholm? and on and on, walk the walk, but we can still all walk more closely in step without getting rid of individualism, just understand not all of us can keep good time, but we’re trying, admire us for that.

By steve

March 19, 2007 5:22 PM | Link to this

Do members of the black community not have more pressing issues than the name of Tara Blvd? There are out of control birth rates among unmarried blacks, HIV rates are through the roof and a large percentage of black males are or have been in prison during sometime in their life. I don’t think the root of any of these problems can be found on Tara Blvd. Even having this article is a sign of stupidity.

By WTF

March 19, 2007 5:26 PM | Link to this

Unfortunately, I think the lack of black history knowledge is not only on the parents but also on the teachers in this state. I have a relative who’s a teacher & he has his students do a report on any African-American person who’s contributed to history who is NOT well known - no MLK, no Rosa Parks, no Frederick Douglas. They have to find someone new & interesting to write about. More teachers should make that effort not only for AA’s, but also for any other race celebrated at a certain time.

Hate to get off topic, I’m personally uneasy about “Confederate month” but am willing to take the opportunity to learn the positives that confederate folk keep saying exist.

By You People

March 19, 2007 5:30 PM | Link to this

@Steve. This article was one Black person posing a question. I am pretty sure that most people in the Black community could care less about renaming a street. Yes, we do have other pressing issues to address. Renaming a street does NOTHING for any community. I don’t think any streets should be named after a person, dead or alive. Renaming streets is just a big waste of money.

By D

March 19, 2007 5:35 PM | Link to this

Confederate month is wrong, too, all these months are, but you tell it’s in direct response to people, whether right or wrong, being offended by Black History month being forced on them, and that’s the point, you don’t force things on people, they have to be made to see that they will benefit from it for them to come closer. that’s why you take Black History Month and Confederate History Month and combine them(not a Strom kinda thing, though, look out) and make something like History Month and include everyone. the more white and black and latino labels aren’t used the more this will look like the America that I love that is quickly fading in my eyes. we came so far to give up now. signed Dane the Mutt, no damn affliation to any manipulative, controlling, selfish group. just trying to find my way to the end of this manic maze with the best final score possible!

By D

March 19, 2007 5:39 PM | Link to this

WTF ask your relative who is a teacher to think about including Elijah McCoy in class. look up the man on the internet, great source of inspiration and strength. the ‘real’ McCoy, having nothing to do with the old west, but with a design that was very innovative and the only one to use for effectiveness.

By Katy

March 19, 2007 6:00 PM | Link to this

I can’t believe what I’m reading. We are all Americans. We all bleed one color, red. The only color that keeps these issues going is green (money).

By D

March 19, 2007 6:22 PM | Link to this

True Democrat must be a Republican trying to make Democrats look bad, spewing all that venom like a spitting Cobra, why would you want to make your own party look so bad? besides, political affliation is like giving your vote without giving your vote because you only did what you were supposed to do according to your minders.

By True Democrat

March 19, 2007 6:38 PM | Link to this

D, I can tell you are an extremely intelligent individual (yuck yuck yuck)by your highly developed syntax and logic. Remember to get on the short bus tomorrow when it is time to go to school. Also be sure and use birth control so the gene pool doesn’t fall any lower than it already is.

By Dee

March 19, 2007 7:14 PM | Link to this

I have lived in Clayton County for approximately 30 years. I personally do not want to see Tara Boulevard’s name changed. Does anyone know how much expense is involved with a street name change? Let’s consider the laborers who make and put up all the new street signs. But don’t stop there. Each business owner has to pay the added expense to update business cards, letterhead, invoices, etc. just because some BOZO decides to change the street name. There are instances where a renaming may be warranted. For example, a street or building is named for someone who is still living and it is discovered that he or she has a checkered past and/or is not currently living his or her life in an exemplary manner or is a bad role model. But in the case of Tara Boulevard, the name Tara has become an historical icon that will be forever synonymous with Sherman’s March to the Sea. Thanks to Margaret Mitchell’s work of fiction, people will always believe that Tara really exists or did exist in the Civil War Era. Although it is merely a fiction, if it is offensive to anyone currently living here, I would suggest that they either find a way to deal with it or move away from the South. For those who want to name streets or buildings in Clayton County for African American icons or leaders, I would suggest finding new streets and buildings under construction and leave those already in existence alone.

By Karen

March 19, 2007 7:16 PM | Link to this

It’s so sad now a days , people can’t answer a simply yes or no question. We could all see that by “True Democrat” Comments . He had the choice to skip over Kimberley’s article and not comment. But no , He had to show us how intelligent he is. By insulting people. He also showed us, what comes out from his mouth, Is the same thing that comes out from our butts.

By Susan Scofield

March 20, 2007 7:04 AM | Link to this

Leave it alone. The yankees have all but ruined Atlanta. They don’t like it, let them go back home and stick their heads in a snow bank.

By knight

March 20, 2007 7:42 AM | Link to this

NO, Tara Blvd should not be changed. I am a Black female who has lived in Atlanta all of my life. Tara is named for a fictional character in a book “Gone with the wind” this story takes place in that area. This is history in its self. To name the street Rosa Parks Blvd is an insult to us Georgians. Rosa never lived here nor done anything here, sure give her a bust or something but name a street after her??? I think not. Let the people in Alabama and Detroit name streets and bldgs. after her. I find it funny that most of the Blacks that want the street changed aren’t even from Georgia, they are transplants that don’t have a clue about our history. Black people we have BIGGER issues that need our attention.

By Margie B

March 20, 2007 8:04 AM | Link to this

Leave the name alone. There are many other roads in Georgia that can bear Rosa Parks name…after all, aren’t most the the roads and buildings now named after African-Americans? Let Clayton County have Tara Blvd. stay Tara Blvd. Why take revenue away from the county? We’ll just end up paying more in taxes to offset the loss. Vote for TARA!