As for any street name changes, the City Council can’t just wave a wand and get it done.
HOUSTON — Mayor John Whitmire is hoping to fast-track a plan to rename Cesar Chavez Boulevard in Houston’s East End.
Council member Joaquin Martinez presented the idea to colleagues in light of sexual assault allegations against the late labor leader.
RELATED: Gov. Abbott says Texas will no longer observe César Chavez Day
There have been mixed reactions since the allegations came out. Some have made it clear that the movement is bigger than one person.
As for any street name changes, the City Council can’t just wave a wand and get it done.
Cesar Chavez, for many Latinos, is considered an icon.
His legacy is now stained after two women who are now in their 60s told The New York Times that Chavez raped them when they were 12.
“I think it’s important to first and foremost recognize those that are in domestic violence, sexual abuse, that we lift up those voices,” District I City Councilman Joaquin Martinez said.
Martinez grew up in Houston’s East End.
RELATED: Texas schools ordered to stop instruction, activities related to Cesar Chavez
“The community is now finding ourselves in a space … where do we go from here?” Martinez said.
It’s the same community with a street that bears Chavez’s name.
“There are currently folks still hurting from the news. I think we need to make sure we get to a space where we can right this wrong,” Martinez said.
Martinez said he’s been communicating with Whitmire and fellow councilmembers to address concerns around keeping or changing the street name. He said the fight for farmers’ rights doesn’t start or end with just one person.
“I think it’s important. We recognize the movement and the things that have allowed us to advance to where we are now,” he said.
To get it done would require 70% of the people on the street to agree, and it’ll need to go through the planning commission.
“We’re letting the red tape not hold us back. We’re going to have community engagement. We have to talk to Congresswoman (Sylvia) Garcia, our city council members, and it’s going to move as rapidly as possible. My director knows it’s a top priority of myself and of the council,” Whitmire said.
If approved, Houston would join other major cities and states that have taken down Chavez’s name from streets and festivals, such as next week’s Cesar Chavez March on the East End, which was canceled after the allegations came to light.
As for HISD’s Cesar Chavez High School, the district said any proposals to rename the school will follow the proper process and go before the board. Officials said they’ll be able to share more info in the coming weeks.
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