Memphis leaders say renaming parks difficult

The issue is whether to change the names of Forrest, Confederate and Jefferson Davis parks in downtown Memphis.

County Commissioner Walter Bailey, who has spearheaded the move, says he’s gotten more feedback on this matter than any issue in his three decades of service.

Council member Rickey Peete said it’s not a priority for him.

“We’re about to enter the lion’s den,” he told The Commercial Appeal. “There’s pressure on African-American leaders to choose sides as I’m certain there is with my white colleagues. It’s a no-win situation. Personally, I’d rather be dealing with much more substantial issues.”

Council member Carol Chumney said she’s gotten calls and e-mails from some Memphians concerning the parks, but the bulk has come from out-of-towners.

“I want to focus on my constituency,” she said. “The main thing you’ve got to do is listen to people. I’m just going to try to do what I think is right.”

Council member Tom Marshall said he hopes for a productive outcome.

“Anybody with a conscience will be caught between a rock and hard place on this one,” he said. “I just wish the emotion on both sides would go away and let us work toward something that is constructive toward bringing together diversity and race unity.”

Davis was the president of the Confederacy; Forrest was Nathan Bedford Forrest, a Confederate general and later an early leader of the Ku Klux Klan.

The city council’s parks committee may vote on the matter Aug. 16. It would then go before the full council.