LAST WEEK: SHOULD GRADY HIGH SCHOOL BE RENAMED?
Noted Georgian Henry W. Grady, often referred to as the “Spokesman of the New South” served many roles during reconstruction. He was managing editor for the Atlanta Constitution and a member of the Atlanta Ring of Democratic political leaders. He promoted northern investment, southern industrial growth, diversified farming as well as white supremacy.
For that last reason many want to remove his name from the Atlanta Public Schools building that bears his name.
Proponents point out that with the diversity at the school and the lessons of harmony and inclusion now being taught, it would be wrong to honor someone of that mindset. Others argue that Grady did much to move the state and the South forward and you can’t change history just because it doesn’t fit into modern ideologies.
There is a county, created in 1905, named in his honor, as well as Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta. There has been no movement to rename those.
Here’s what some readers had to say:
Did you know George Washington had helpers? Some people identify them as his slaves. But we all respect him and we look upon his great legacy. One may argue that times were different back then, but it was also different for Henry Grady. Grady may have been a racist, but he has done some wonderful things in his life for which we all remember him till date. He helped in creating new jobs, recognition and investments to the recovering of Georgia's economy. Grady also helped elect like-minded politicians to the higher office. Grady is one of the reasons on why Georgia prospered so much in early days. Without him, Georgia may have been very different. — Shruti Kundu
Despite the large impact Henry Grady made on the south, students should know when they walk in and out of the Grady High School knowing they are welcomed. Naming the school after a man that constantly discriminated against other races may give the wrong impression. Removing the name shows diversity. Comparing it to King George II, changing the name of a high school is a much easier task. If it does more good than harm, why not? — Hannah C.
Yes Grady High should be renamed. APS school board should change their policy of waiting for someone to be dead 5 years. What happened to the saying "give them their flowers while they live". Additionally any place named Grady should change their name. — Freida Paige
Who would pay to reprint my diploma? — Linden Longino, class of 1954
Rename Grady High School? What is next - Grady Hospital that has served the black community for decades? I loved my time at Grady High, received a good education, and am proud of my Alma Mater as are many other successful graduates of different races. I want to move forward to improve race relations, but changing the name of a beloved, well regarded institution does not do that. — Walter Thompson
I continue to be frustrated by revisionist views of history. I graduated from Henry Grady High School and as long as the buildings are standing it should retain that name. — Jim England
Whether to extend MARTA rail north of Sandy Springs has been an issue that’s been bubbling for years. Suddenly, it’s heated to a full-on boil.
The impetus is a bill in the state legislative hopper that would let Fulton and DeKalb voters decide whether to pay a half-cent more in sales tax. The measure’s said to be laying the groundwork for several possible MARTA rail initiatives, including an expansion up the Ga. 400 corridor deep into Alpharetta.
The proposal has prompted statements on both sides of the issue from both North Fulton city officials and state lawmakers representing the area. Proponents say it will increase mobility and help ease congestion and they tout it as an economic development tool. Opponents have labeled it an expensive boondoggle which will be used only by a small percentage of the population.
Just this past week, Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul made transportation the centerpiece of his State of the City address, calling on lawmakers to give voters the chance to weigh in. He called MARTA vital to the community’s long-term economic health and quality of life.
On up the Ga. 400 corridor, Johns Creek city fathers have a diametrically opposed take, approving a November resolution voicing “full and complete opposition.” to a northward push. They said the rail extension would be of only limited benefit to their city, that it would increase traffic congestion and that MARTA’s inherent design is flawed.
Much more recently, both the Johns Creek and Alpharetta councils signed off on another resolution urging that before any tax measure hits the ballot, independent engineering research be done to gauge the potential impact on surface streets and Ga. 400 commute times.
What’s your take? Why should, or shouldn’t a referendum be authorized by state lawmakers? And would extending rail service north of Sandy Springs be a boondoggle or a congestion-calmer?
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