CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Stonewall Street in Uptown Charlotte officially has a new name.
Mayor Vi Lyles and other city officials came together Thursday to unveil the street’s new name, Brooklyn Village Avenue.
Previously named for Confederate war general Thomas Johnson “Stonewall” Jackson, the new name honors the legacy of Brooklyn, a mostly Black neighborhood in Charlotte’s Second Ward.
The change was one of nine, and the last, to be carried out on streets across the city. In February 2021, the Charlotte City Council adopted the Legacy Commission’s recommendations to rename “streets that commemorated Confederate soldiers, enslavers and segregationists.”
Related: Charlotte renames two more streets through Legacy Commission work
“In order to move forward in unity, I think it is clear that we needed to dismantle the symbols of racism that still existed in Charlotte,” Lyles said. “I take pride in the fact that we are now focusing on the positive and renaming this important city street to pay tribute to the thriving neighborhood that was once located in this area.”
Brooklyn, a community within the city made up of businesses, schools, churches, restaurants, shops and entertainment, saw its time start to come to a close in 1958 after an urban redevelopment plan was approved for the area. By the 1960s and 70s, about 100 years after being first established, officials say roughly 1,007 families were displaced and 1,408 structures were demolished in the former Brooklyn community.
"I applaud the city's thoughtful implementation of the Legacy Commission's recommendations,” said Emily Zimmern, chair of the commission. “Community feedback has resulted in street names reflective of our dynamic and diverse city. I'm particularly delighted to see the legacy of a remarkable neighborhood celebrated by the renamed Brooklyn Village Avenue."
Anyone living or owning property on the newly named streets can locate resources by clicking here, calling 311 or emailing legacy@charlottenc.gov for assistance.