Council reaches compromise over renaming of Rosa Parks library - WSFA.com: News Weather and Sports for Montgomery, AL.

The Montgomery City Council reached a compromise on the issue of renaming the Rosa Parks Library Branch for Bertha Pleasant-Williams, the city's first Black librarian. It came as the council held its first meeting in the historic City Auditorium. 

"It seems to me it would be a very sad moment in the history of our city if we had a heated debate at our very first meeting in this chamber in this historic auditorium about Rosa Parks' legacy and whether it has been amply recognized in our city," said Tracy Larkin, who represents District 3 on the council. 

Some in the community have felt it would be inappropriate to rename the Rosa Parks Branch library for Bertha Pleasant-Williams, who not only was the first black librarian in Montgomery, but also the first degreed librarian in the state. The Mayor was among those who sought a way to honor both women.

"Any building that we had, that had her (Parks') name on it for whatever reason," Mayor Todd Strange said, "When you remove it, I think it would send, I believe, a wrong signal or a mixed signal."

Others disagreed pointing out the branch was named the Cleveland Avenue Branch and was only renamed for Parks when the name of the road changed. Pleasant-Williams served as a librarian at that branch. 

"The street is still there," said Ida Jean Watkins, who is currently a member of the city's Board of Adjustment. "I think you would be doing a disservice not to put her name, Bertha Pleasant Williams, on there."

So council members came up with a compromise that would name the facility the Bertha Pleasant-Williams Library at the Rosa Parks Avenue Branch.   

It's a compromise which drew approval from both city officials and the family of Bertha Pleasant-Williams. Citing her work during the Jim Crow era, they said she deserves to be recognized. 

"Today, she's a big name, today, the name Bertha P. Williams has been placed into the history books," said son Richard Chinese Williams. "And I just want to thank everybody, the council and the entire city of Montgomery."

Although the library sits on city property, this decision may not be final. We're told the library board still has to decide whether this compromise is acceptable to them.  The issue will likely be discussed at their next board meeting.

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