YELLOW SPRINGS — Village council member Lisa Kreeger has proposed the village rename Short Street to Freedom Court and close a portion of the street for an outdoor gathering place in the village called Freedom Plaza.
“This is in recognition of the rich history of African Americans in Yellow Springs, in support of the anti-racists movement in Yellow Springs and beyond and in recognition that Black lives matter,” the proposal read. “The name of “Freedom Court” serves as a celebration and constant reminder to Yellow Springs residents and visitors that assessing the freedoms available to Black people has and will always be a barometer of whether the nation is really living up to its vision of freedom for all.”
In addition to the renaming of the street, Kreeger also proposed the road be closed between Walnut Street and U.S. 68 to vehicle traffic and reserved for pedestrians between 5 p.m. Friday and 5 p.m. Sunday.
“During these hours, temporary barricades should be put in place and physically distanced seating and adequate trash receptacles to allow people space to convene outside and enjoy safe interaction/consume carry out food,” the proposal read.
Kreeger hopes the newly named Freedom Plaza could host a stage where speakers and musicians could perform on the weekends.
Additionally, Kreeger is proposing the Arts & Culture Commission design an installation that would honor blacks in Yellow Springs inside Freedom Plaza with a digital code that would act as part of the village’s walking tour.
Kreeger credited several community members and The 365 Project for inspiring the proposal.
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