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Francis Scott Key Bridge after a container ship collided with the bridge. (Image/AP)
Civil rights groups advocate renaming the collapsed Baltimore bridge named after Francis Scott Key, citing his history as a slave owner
US civil rights groups are advocating for the renaming of the collapsed Baltimore bridge, currently named after one of the most prominent figures in American history, Francis Scott Key. They point to the fact that the author of the American national anthem owned slaves and wrote lyrics that were derogatory towards black people.
The Caucus of African American Leaders of Anne Arundel County passed resolutions urging the Maryland Governor. Wes Moore and the state government to rededicate the bridge, arguing that the collapse provides an opportunity to remove names that do not honour all Marylanders.
‘Racial hatred’
“Some people would prefer that we not discuss the racial hatred that people we name bridges, buildings, streets, or statutes after. I must respectfully disagree. These are public structures being paid for by all taxpayers in The State of Maryland. I know that some elected officials wish that we would not raise these matters; however, if we are going to make America better and not bitter, we must be willing to challenge the status quo,” the civil rights group said in a post on Facebook.
‘Right side of history’
“There is always a backlash whenever there is an effort to bring about change in America. I suspect that we will see an immediate response from right-wingers. Suffice it to say, we are going to go forward despite it,” the group added.
The caucus proposes renaming the bridge after the late US Congressman Parren J. Mitchell, the first black man from Maryland elected to the US House of Representatives. Caucus convener Carl Snowden expressed confidence in their cause, despite expected opposition, stating, “We know we are on the right side of history and will eventually prevail.”
Francis Scott Key, known for writing “The Star-Spangled Banner,” grew up on a Maryland plantation and owned slaves. Although he freed some of his slaves and assisted others in obtaining freedom, critics point to his representation of slaveholders and his advocacy for black Americans’ emigration to Africa.
However, the accuracy of certain claims against Key has been disputed. A quote often attributed to Key regarding race is incorrectly credited and sourced from a biography by Edward S. Delaplaine, the New York Post reported, citing the US national anthem.
The caucus has submitted its resolution to the governor’s office and plans to discuss the matter further with Moore. However, Moore emphasized his focus on recovery efforts for the construction crew employees killed in the bridge collapse and the reopening of the channel. “I think any conversations along those lines, there will be time for that, but now’s not the time,” Moore stated regarding the proposal.
