Council is talking about re-naming the Municipal Building (where they usually meet, when we're not in a pandemic) after Penfield Tate II, Boulder's only Black mayor.
Good info in this presentation: www-static.bouldercolorado.gov/docs/Item_6A_R…
Good info in this presentation: www-static.bouldercolorado.gov/docs/Item_6A_R…
Taylor Reimann, city council's paid assistant, is presenting.
So this is all in the presentation, and in my story, but here's some info on Tate:
got a law degree from CU in 1968
In law, focused on civil rights, labor and employment
got a law degree from CU in 1968
In law, focused on civil rights, labor and employment
From his practice, “ he found homosexuals lived in fear that their employers would find out about their sexual preferences, “I thought it was an area where government protection should be provided.”
He was elected to council in 1971 as the top vote-getter
Boulder's First Black council member
He was Mayor from 1974 to 1976
Boulder's First Black council member
He was Mayor from 1974 to 1976
While he was mayor, he proposed an ordinance to protect people from discrimination based on sexual orientation
There was significant backlash. A recall election failed but Tate was not re-elected
There was significant backlash. A recall election failed but Tate was not re-elected
Three options for the building name: Penfield Tate II Municipal Building, Penfield Tate II City Hall, or Penfield Tate II Building
It will cost $11,000 to $20,000 to replace 3 signs
It will cost $11,000 to $20,000 to replace 3 signs
Plus staff time
Tate's kids are supportive and excited about the prospect.
Tate’s son, Penfield Tate II, lives in Denver
Two daughters, Paula and Gail, live in Boulder
Tate’s son, Penfield Tate II, lives in Denver
Two daughters, Paula and Gail, live in Boulder
No surprise, but Boulder has an Official Process for renaming buildings: the "Policy on Commemorative Naming of Facilities,” which includes an internal application, creation of a naming committee, community engagement, and city council OK
That could happen in October, Reimann says
Swetlik: Given that this is pretty cool and the community might be interested, can we accept donations or getting pro bono work?
Yes, Ange says. We don't have to immediately change the signs either.
Friend asks about checking other facilities, parks, etc. to make sure they're not named after, like, KKK members. She made this request previously; just checking in.
Staff is researching, Ange says.
Staff is researching, Ange says.
Friend: It would be nice to see if we've named things equitably. I would predict we have more buildings named after white men. This could see if that's actually true.
The work will have to be done as time allows, Ange says.
Young is recommending that council wait until the beginning of the year and make it an official work item.
Young is recommending that council wait until the beginning of the year and make it an official work item.
Joseph: Names are important, bc when we talk about diversity, it's not just about having it here, but the symbolism as well.
Community members have asked about renaming streets, apparently.
Community members have asked about renaming streets, apparently.
Symbolic diversity is the kind Boulder is best at.
So the Tate/Municipal Building renaming will continue, and staff will give an update to council at the January agenda-setting retreat.
Weaver mentions Settlers Park, which was tapped for re-naming 4 years ago. That's in the hands of our partners, Weaver says, as part of the tribal consultation.
We were supposed to have a name this year, Ange says, as part of the tribal consultation. But the pandemic cancelled that, so it will happen next year.
That's all for this one: @threadreaderapp please unroll. Thank you!
I guess I never wrapped this one. @threadreaderapp please unroll. Thank you!
