A petition calling for Folsom\u2019s Negro Bar Recreation Area to be renamed is gaining traction online, arguing that the current race-related name is \u201cout-of-date and offensive.\u201dThe petition was initially created in September by Stockton resident Phaedra Jones after she saw a sign for the park while driving through Folsom. It has more than 3,800 signatures as of about 2 p.m. Wednesday.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was so confused, shocked, angry, putdown, sad, hurt, disrespected and in disbelief. I couldn\u2019t believe that I had actually seen a sign that read \u2018Negro Bar,\u2019\u201d Jones wrote in her petition.<\/p>\n
The park\u2019s name is derived from the racist moniker tied to a similar gravel bar just across the water where Black miners discovered gold during the Gold Rush. Through the 1930s, the site was known and identified with the racist term both in newspapers, and in at least one U.S. Geological Survey from 1941, according to the U.S. Board of Geographic Names.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Name Negro Bar has been offensive for literally decades. I am sure historians can find the name of at least ONE African American Miner or Settler whose name can be used,\u201d reads one comment from a petitioner.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s offensive and unwelcoming. The fact that we still haven\u2019t changed the name reflects poorly on our community,\u201d another said.<\/p>\n
More at SacBee.com<\/a> >>><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" A petition calling for Folsom\u2019s Negro Bar Recreation Area to be renamed is gaining traction online, arguing that the current race-related name is \u201cout-of-date and offensive.\u201dThe petition was initially created in September by Stockton resident Phaedra Jones after she saw a sign for the park while driving through Folsom. It has more than 3,800 signatures … Continue reading Is \u2018Negro Bar\u2019 an offensive park name? A new petition effort says it is<\/span>