On March 29, 2018 Georgia State Legislators pass a Resolution to change the name of a Savannah area Creek from “Runaway Negro Creek” to “Freedom Creek”. The Creek got its name from slaves escaping from the Modena Plantation during the Civil War.
The man who led the charge to change the name is “Jamal Toure”, an Africana Studies Professor at Savannah State University [1].
The Resolution attempts to remove the negative stigma from those who escaped with the language “
It took two votes on the 39th Leislative day to pass this legislation.
Runaway Negro Creek, Chattam County, GA
Its’ interesting that this name has been in place for hundreds of years, with no real push to change the name. Many who challenge the name change claim that it is an attempt to re-write history. While supporters state it’s framing the actions of those slaves in the proper context.
Why this action was necessary, we would hope that the politicians and organizers in the Savannah area do not rest on this decision as a victory. Instead they should turn their attention to creating economic empowerment for the black community in the area and position themselves to benefit from the increased activity coming through the Port of Savannah in the coming years.
Works Cited
[1]
A. D. Washington, "Let’s change ‘Runaway Negro Creek’ to ‘Freedom Creek," The Atlanta Voice, 8 March 2018.
[2]
J. o. t. 1. A. o. t. 4. J. o. t. 3. B. o. t. 5. a. o. Senators Jackson of the 2nd, "2017-2018 Regular Session - SR 685 Georgia Coast; bed of tidewater known as "Runaway Negro Creek"; rename to "Freedom Creek"," Code Section 52-1-2 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, 2018.