The Grand Rapids City Commission approved a resolution to hold a public hearing on changing the name of Cesar E. Chavez Avenue to its previous name, Grandville Avenue.
In March, a New York Times investigation revealed sexual assault allegations against Chavez by civil rights leader and activist, Dolores Huerta, who passed away in late October. Huerta accused Chavez of sexual assault and fathering her two children in the 1960’s.
In July, the Roosevelt Park Neighborhood Association, along with 100 residents and business owners, asked the city to return Cesar E. Chavez Avenue to its former name.
Grandville Avenue was renamed to honor Chavez in 2022 with support from the Moving Ahead for Remarkable Civil Rights Heroes community organization, along with a portion of Franklin Avenue being renamed Martin Luther King Jr. Street.
The city’s public hearing is scheduled for December 1st.
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