Support swells for renaming Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma to honor John Lewis after his death

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

In the wake of Rep. John Lewis's (D-Ga.) death, social media users are renewing a call to rename the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Ala., after the civil rights icon instead of the Confederate general and Ku Klux Klan leader.

Lewis died on Friday at the age of 80, more than five decades after he almost lost his life while crossing the bridge during the 1965 "Bloody Sunday" march.

Social media users took to Twitter to honor the longtime congressman, again calling for the bridge to be renamed in his memory.

"There's a bridge [that] needs a new name," former U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara wrote, a call echoed by anti-Trump super PAC The Lincoln Project.

Link to tweet

?s=20

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/support-swells-for-renaming-edmund-pettus-bridge-in-selma-to-honor-john-lewis-after-his-death/ar-BB16U9Ox?li=BBnb7Kz

[Cracklin Charlie]

1. Would Rep. Lewis want this bridge renamed?

I’m not so sure. Maybe let local officials decide.

Edit: Pettus-Lewis Bridge has a ring to it.

[lunatica]

3. You're kidding right?

Because if you’re not this is the dumbest suggestion ever.

[Cracklin Charlie]

6. Please see post #2.

I thought I had seen this mentioned several years ago.

[PoliticAverse]

2. John Lewis, Terri Sewell defend keeping Selma bridge named after Edmund Pettus

https://www.al.com/opinion/2015/06/john_lewis_terri_sewell_defend.html

The Edmund Pettus Bridge is an iconic symbol of the struggle for voting rights in America, and its name is as significant as its imposing structure. The historical irony is an integral part of the complicated history of Selma -- a city known for its pivotal role in the Civil War and the civil rights movement.

The Edmund Pettus Bridge symbolizes both who we once were, and who we have become today. The name reflects the fact that this bridge was built in the cradle of the old Confederacy and that Edmund Pettus was a very significant man of his era--Confederate general, U.S. Senator---and yes, a member of the Klu Klux Klan.

Renaming the Bridge will never erase its history. Instead of hiding our history behind a new name we must embrace it --the good and the bad. The historical context of the Edmund Pettus Bridge makes the events of 1965 even more profound. The irony is that a bridge named after a man who inflamed racial hatred is now known worldwide as a symbol of equality and justice. It is biblical--what was meant for evil, God uses for good.

[crickets]

4. Good to know. Thanks for the link. nt

[marybourg]

5. Not a convincing argument, to me. History doesn't change

when a name does. It just continues to unfold. The bridge needs a new name..

[lunatica]

8. Well then in that case we should build a monument to Trump

and return all those Southern great generals to their pedestals, and while we’re at it let’s bring back the Southern flag. It’s all part of our history right?

[Ex Lurker]

7. Alabama is not going to name a bridge after a Georgia politician

No matter how deserving he might be. Just doesn't work that way.