Wasserman Schultz on Hollywood Street Sign Changes

Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) released the following statement in response to the Hollywood City Commission taking the first step toward agreeing to rename streets honoring Civil War-era generals, one of whom was a grand wizard of the Ku Klux Klan:  

“I stand in solidarity with community and elected leaders in the City of Hollywood who are making clear that our community should not glorify historic figures who embody our nation’s painful past. For too long, these street signs have honored individuals who fall far short of embodying the type of American values that make our community and this country such a great place to live – an abiding pursuit of equality, justice and freedom. Fortunately, it is never too late to do the right thing. 

I applaud Mayor Josh Levy, along with the majority of the Hollywood City Commission for demonstrating that true leaders empathize with those they serve. As most Hollywood city leaders understand, no parent should have to explain to a child that the street they live on is named after someone who fought for a philosophy built on inequality or hatred. Additionally, I’m grateful for all the hard work by activists, as well as State Representative Shevrin Jones, who fought so passionately the past two years to raise awareness about this issue. By changing the name of these streets to better reflect the ideals of this welcoming community, the City of Hollywood is setting an example the rest of the nation should follow.”