A stretch of John Lewis Way in downtown Nashville would be renamed for former President Donald Trump under a proposal from statehouse Republicans.
If the legislation passes, the road between Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard and James Robertson Parkway would become “President Donald Trump Boulevard.” That would remove protections for the street under the Tennessee Heritage Protection Act, which prevents the removal, relocation or renaming of a memorial.
Nashville Metro Councilmember Zulfat Suara has criticized the timing of the proposal — as it falls during Black History month and John Lewis’s birth month. In a tweet, she says, “Some folks do not want their office address to bear a Black man’s name.”
OMG. I have to take a deep breath so as not to swear! What have this state become! Do some just wake up and propose the next thing that comes to mind. This is not how to govern. This is ridiculous. We are going to fight this. #GoodTrouble pic.twitter.com/CJrYcTkYy8
— Councilwoman Zulfat Suara (@zulfat4council) February 3, 2023
The bill would change the address of the Cordell Hull legislative building.
State Sen. Frank Niceley of Strawberry Plains and Sparta Rep. Paul Sherrell are behind the bill.
On Air - 90.3 WPLN-FM