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RESOLUTION R-1718-53: A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORMAN, OKLAHOMA, REJECTING ALL FORMS OF RACISM, BIGOTRY, AND HATE AND CALLING FOR A REVIEW OF THE CITY’S STREET RENAMING POLICY.
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BACKGROUND: A request was made to prepare a Resolution that addresses the history and name of DeBarr Avenue and the City’s street renaming policy.
DISCUSSION: The proposed Resolution acknowledges the shameful history of racial inequality and unfair treatment of African-Americans in Norman and affirms the City’s intention of standing for racial justice and equality as well as its commitment to seeking to build an inclusive community for all of its residents in furtherance of the stated policies of the City codified in Section 7-101 of the City Code and the mission of the Human Rights Commission established in 1971. The proposed Resolution also outlines the history of the naming of DeBarr Avenue and notes that it was not named by the City nor named in honor of Edwin C. DeBarr but rather appears to have been named by Mr. DeBarr as the surveyor of that property when originally platted in 1901. The proposed Resolution also denounces all forms of racism, bigotry, and hate and directs that the City’s street naming policy be placed on the November agenda of the City Council Oversight Committee for review.
RECOMMENDATION: The proposed Resolution is being presented for formal City Council consideration at this time.