Renaming of Jackson Park
Jackson Park is named after President Andrew Jackson, whose anti-abolitionist views and policy of the forcible removal of Native Americans from their ancestral homelands, in addition to other contemptible traits and actions on his part make him an undeserving and undesirable namesake of our beloved park.
As part of the renovation project, SFRPD agreed that renaming Jackson Park was appropriate. Outlined by SFRPD protocols, the renaming proposal shall be preceded by extensive community outreach to include letters of support, petitions, and surveys both in-person and online, along with a number of community meetings. Sufficient time will be taken to ensure that the community is well informed of the proposal and has had plenty of opportunity to participate in the process. When a proposed name or list of names has been reached, SFRPD and its commission will give final approval. We believe there is ample time to have the renaming process completed to coincide with the reopening of the park after its renovation.
In consideration of acknowledging the first people living in our area where Jackson Park currently stands, FOJP is in conversation with the Association of Ramaytush Ohlone and the American Indian Cultural District. At our next meeting on Oct. 21st, we will hear from Dr. Jonathan Cordero, the Executive Director of The Association of Ramaytush Ohlone (ARO).
The Ramaytush (pronounced rah-my-toosh) Ohlone are the original peoples of the San Francisco Peninsula. As per the ARO website on what is well-documented in Bay Area history, we know that prior to the arrival of the Spanish, the Ramaytush Ohlone numbered approximately 1500 persons, and by the end of the Mission Period only a few families had survived. Today only one lineage is known to have produced living descendants in the present. Those descendants comprise the membership of the ARO today. To learn more about the Ramaytush Ohlone please visit https://www.ramaytush.org.
With support in the process from Supervisor Walton, interest from Potrero Boosters and coordination with ARO and American Indian Cultural District, and as many community members as possible, Jackson Park’s renaming will be an undertaking that is full of connection and community - what FOJP is all about!
The current name of Jackson Park has stood for nearly one hundred years. With that in mind, FOJP intends to take every measure to reach a broad representation of the community in shaping a meaningful, long-lasting new name that respects both its past and future. We hope you’ll join us!
