Plans to rename Lancaster Road in Dallas for the late South African President Nelson Mandela were delayed Wednesday.
Councilman Dwaine Caraway failed to see the City Council support he forecast there would be when his proposal reached a City Hall public hearing.
Caraway argues the name change between Illinois Avenue and Interstate 20 would help revitalize the Lancaster Road area.
“The seed that’s being planted is one of hope, to give the neighborhood something to be proud about,” he said.
Supporters include students at the Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy on Lancaster.
“Nelson Mandela was an influential African figure similar to how Barack Obama, our school’s namesake, was an influential African American figure,” said student council president Kendell Long. “So, I think it would aid the community.”
Across the street from the school, Eric Curtis, who works at the Sko N’ Go music and tobacco store, also supported the Mandela change.
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“It will make a statement to people as to knowing who he actually was,” Curtis said.
But other business people have complained the name change would cost them money.
Lancaster Road is also home to the Dallas VA Hospital. Veterans packed Wednesday’s public hearing to oppose the change.
“If you make that name change, you’re really not showing support for the veterans of this country,” said veteran Clarence Jackson.
Opponents of the Mandela plan said any change should honor American military veterans.
Caraway blasted African American council members Vonceil Hill and Tennell Atkins for refusing to support his plan. Lancaster Road also runs through their City Council districts.
“I’m glad that you all are here to see today who is with you and who is not,” Caraway said to supporters in the room.
Caraway complained that Atkins held a meeting with opponents Tuesday night before the Wednesday public hearing after earlier indicating support for the change. Atkins said he was only invited and didn’t arrange the meeting with opponents.
Hill said she told Caraway long ago that Mandela deserves a tribute bigger than renaming Lancaster Road and that she would not cross veterans who oppose the change.
“Spread the word,” Hill said to renaming opponents about her position.
Caraway did win a delay on the issue until Nov. 12.
Caraway said he would talk with opponents between now and then in an effort to sell them on the merits of his plan.
