The exterior of Saint John City Hall is pictured in this file photo. (Staff photo)
A Saint John resident has submitted a request to change the names of Ludlow Street and Winslow Street.
Eric Muir wants the city to take progressive action in the effort of ending racism.
“I was doing my own research on some history, Black history in New Brunswick, and discovered that a few Loyalists were responsible for bringing slaves into the province, are being honoured on street signs as Ludlow and Winslow Street,” he said.
Muir said when he conducted his own research, all he did was type in “Black history” and he discovered this information. He thought it was a simple thing to change out of respect for the Black community.
“This is important for the community, it sends a powerful message that we’re not going to honour or immortalize loyalists or slave traders or anybody in that regard,” he said.
Muir said he’s under the understanding that this request has been sent to the city manager.
He said he will leave new street name suggestions up to the community.
“I would like to leave that open to the community but I think that we should honour somebody who’s done well for the city, but I’ll leave that up to the community to decide,” he said.
Muir said his friends and family have been supportive about his request and he’s found it encouraging.
He said his request went through city council on June 22 and he will be inquiring about the status of his request shortly.
Muir said overall, this should all be taught in local and Canadian history in general to increase education on the matter.
