Austin, Texas residents are up in arms over proposals to rename streets, remove landmarks and rename the city itself, because of ties to the Confederacy and white supremacy, according to the Hill.  

The city of Austin has become a cultural center in Texas, known for South by Southwest, top universities and a thriving liberal community. However, the city was named after the notorious Stephen F. Austin, who fought to defend slavery during the Texas Revolution.

According to KUT.org, Austin’s Equity Office has proposed plans that will rename streets and remove statues to attempt to reconcile the city's history. But critics believe these monuments and roads should be allowed to stay to serve as a testament to the past. 

"[Austin] fought to defend slavery in spite of Mexico's effort to ban it; believed slave labor indispensable for Texas to flourish in its production of sugar and cotton; believed that if slaves were emancipated they would turn into 'vagabonds, a nuisance and a menace,'" a memo stated. "Wanted slaveowners to be compensated if their slaves were emancipated."

Seven streets have been recommended for the renaming project. All of the streets listed play homage to the Confederacy and slavery. They include, Littlefield Street, Tom Green Street, Sneed Cove, Reagan Hill Drive, Dixie Drive, Plantation Road and Confederate Avenue.

The Austin Statesmen reports that these changes cannot be carried out unilaterally. There will be a number of public hearings and action from the City Council. In April, two street names were renamed after gaining the approval of all residents.  

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Austin texasAustin ties to the confederacyWhite supremacy