Street name change debated

A request by Dexter Harmon to abolish the name of Jefferson Davis Avenue prompted a spirited debate during Monday night’s City Council meeting.
Citing Davis’ history as a slave owner, Harmon labeled the Confederate president as “America’s first terrorist.”
Noting symbols of the Confederacy, including its battle flag, are being removed from southern states, Harmon called for Rayne to “take the lead in South Louisiana” by renaming the city’s longest street.
“Rayne has the right,” he said, adding the state Department of Transportation and Development has no objections to renaming the section of Hwy. 98.
He went on to suggest the Council create a 30-45 day “grace period” to gather naming options.
Mayor Chuck Robichaux responded a name change would be more costly than simply changing street signs, due to required changes in addresses and pointed out other city streets, such as Polk and Adams, are named for Confederates.
The exchange between the mayor and Harmon prompted others to join the debate.
Michelle Dugas cited the historical element, saying, “Our history show where we were.” She continued, “A street sign won’t change anything. We should be about peace.” She termed the effort to change the street name as “utterly ridiculous, disgusting and petty.”
As she concluded, “Our history is our history,” and “Rayne is too small for this,” Dugas received a round of applause from the standing room only audience.
Christina Logan suggested instead of changing a street name, the city needed to provide some activities for the city’s children.
Another spectator, Dowell Folds, mentioned his belief that Rayne has always worked together instead of fostering division between white and black residents.
Councilwoman Cutrese Minix contributed the fact the possibility of renaming Jefferson Davis Avenue resulted in numerous telephone calls and “people knocking on my door” with their own suggestions for names honoring their families or other individuals. “There was no peace of me,” she said.
Repeating his contention that the cost of changing the street’s name would be costly, Mayor Robichaux said, “I don’t think changing the name of the street has changed anyone’s life.”
Noting it was “critical that we think this through,” the mayor asked the Council members for their input.
When no one made any comments, Mayor Robichaux acknowledged no action would be taken.