Rename It: Jesse Owens Park
Phoenix Parks and Recreation Board
Phoenix has a chance to make a better choice. Sign on to rename Cesar Chavez Park to Jesse Owens Park.
The park currently bears the name of a man against whom credible, public sexual harassment allegations stand. A public space's name is the city's endorsement; when the underlying record changes, the honor should be reconsidered — not defended out of inertia.
Jesse Owens made Phoenix his home for the last eight years of his life. Not as a celebrity passing through — as a neighbor. He served on hospital boards. He co-chaired the campaign that built the South Phoenix medical center now bearing his name. He mentored young athletes through the ARCO Jesse Owens Games. He broke the color line at the Phoenix 40. He spoke at schools, churches, and civic clubs across Arizona.
When he died on March 31, 1980, Governor Bruce Babbitt ordered Owens' body to lie in state at the Arizona Capitol. Few private citizens have been so honored by this state.
A park's name is a civic decision. Phoenix has the chance to make a better one.
Endorsed by GOOD|GOAT and Don't Waste Arizona!
Petition by
Sponsored by
To:
Phoenix Parks and Recreation Board
From:
[Your Name]
To the Phoenix Parks and Recreation Board:
We, the undersigned, respectfully petition the Board to rename the park currently designated "Cesar Chavez Park" to "Jesse Owens Park."
The park's current honoree is the subject of credible, public sexual harassment allegations. A public space's name is the city's endorsement; when the underlying record changes, the honor should be reconsidered.
Jesse Owens — four-time 1936 Olympic gold medalist and one of the most consequential American athletes of the 20th century — made Phoenix his home from 1972 until his death on March 31, 1980. During his Phoenix years, Owens served on the Phoenix Memorial Hospital board, co-chaired the fundraising campaign that built the South Phoenix Ambulatory and Emergency Care Center now bearing his name, became the first Black member of the Phoenix 40, promoted the ARCO Jesse Owens Games for Arizona youth, and represented the Valley nationally and internationally.
When Owens died, Governor Bruce Babbitt ordered his body to lie in state at the Arizona Capitol — an honor extended to few private citizens in Arizona's history.
We respectfully ask the Board to:
1. Begin the formal renaming process under the Board's naming policy.
2. Open the matter for public comment within 90 days.
3. Place "Jesse Owens Park" on a calendared agenda.
A park's name is a civic decision. Phoenix has the opportunity to make a better one.
Respectfully submitted,
The undersigned
Endorsed by GOOD|GOAT (Government Oversight & Accountability Team), Don't Waste Arizona, and Camelback Community.