Naming public spaces and objects after someone is a practice I have always found a little fascinating. I suppose it is one way of making sure history is not lost and of acknowledging the contributions of individuals who may not necessarily be well-known but whose impact on civic life has been substantial. Back when Art Place at Fort Totten was first planned, some residents asked for a community benefit to include naming public areas of the development in honor of African-American/minority artists and performers, especially those from Lamond-Riggs and Ward 5. These could include chairs, benches, trees, open areas, statues, plaques, etc. Now that the first phase has been built and the second phase is upon us, it seems like an apt time to make good on naming a public space.

I suppose the arts focus is because the project itself is supposed to be arts-focused. It would be interesting though if this were a broader project around recognizing a group of people important to the neighborhood’s history. Maybe it could have been a group of people like the ones who fought against building a freeway through the neighborhood, the people who advocated for building a neighborhood library, the residents who first formed the Lamond-Riggs Citizens Asssociation and established a well-respected, active civic association at a time in DC’s history when civic associations were segregated by race. Maybe it could have been recognizing the first group of Black Americans who began moving into the neighborhood in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s following Brown v. Board of Education.

Anyhow, the ask was for honoring artists and performers, so that’s what it shall be. Please share in the comments your recomendations of African-American/minority artists and performers who should be honored, especially those from Lamond-Riggs and Ward 5.