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Atlanta Streets With Dual Names Reflect Racial Discrimination, Historians Say
Some street name changes in Atlanta were driven by white residents' efforts to distance their neighborhoods from African Americans.
Published on Feb. 26, 2026
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Historians say that some street name changes in Atlanta were rooted in racial discrimination, as white residents sought to distance their neighborhoods from African Americans moving into the area. The renaming of Whitefoord Avenue to Memorial Terrace in the 1960s is one example, with the change driven by white residents who did not want their neighborhood associated with the influx of Black residents. While some street names have been changed to honor civil rights leaders, the underlying motivations behind many of these name changes were often racially charged, reflecting a history of segregation and discrimination in the city.
Why it matters
These street name changes highlight Atlanta's complex racial history and the ongoing impact of past discrimination. Understanding this context is important for recognizing how the city's infrastructure and geography have been shaped by racial politics, and for having constructive dialogues about how to address this legacy moving forward.
The details
According to the Atlanta History Center's Paul Crater, the renaming of Whitefoord Avenue to Memorial Terrace in the 1960s was driven by white residents who did not want their neighborhood associated with the influx of African American residents in nearby areas. This was part of a broader pattern of white Atlantans taking "matters into their own hands to ensure that their spaces were not associated with African-Americans who were seeking housing." While the official reasons given for many street name changes were not always explicit about the racial motivations, the underlying intent to segregate neighborhoods is clear from the historical record.
- In 1913, Atlanta City Councilmember Claude Ashley tried to segregate residential areas by race through the 'Ashley Ordinance', which the Georgia Supreme Court later ruled unconstitutional.
- In the 1960s, Whitefoord Avenue in Southeast Atlanta was renamed to Memorial Terrace, driven by white residents who did not want their neighborhood associated with the influx of African American residents.
The players
Paul Crater
The vice president of Collections and Research Services at the Atlanta History Center.
Claude Ashley
An Atlanta City Councilmember who in 1913 tried to segregate residential areas by race through the 'Ashley Ordinance', which was later ruled unconstitutional.
Dan Moore Jr.
The President and CEO of the APEX Museum in Atlanta.
What they’re saying
“In the past, white citizens of the city decided through official channels to change the name of the street because they did not want their neighborhoods to be associated with African Americans who were moving in areas close to them.”
— Paul Crater, Vice President of Collections and Research Services, Atlanta History Center (cbsnews.com)
“If you had individuals that were White in that area that may not want to be associated with those individuals, they would often go to the city council and petition that the name can be changed.”
— Dan Moore Jr., President and CEO, APEX Museum (cbsnews.com)
“Our focus is to tell you the story about the human experience so that you don't feel that you're separated from something. In other words, you need to be a part of this.”
— Dan Moore Jr., President and CEO, APEX Museum (cbsnews.com)
What’s next
Historians and community leaders in Atlanta are calling for greater education and open dialogue about the city's complex racial history, including the motivations behind street name changes, in order to promote understanding and move the city forward.
The takeaway
The dual names of some Atlanta streets reflect a history of racial discrimination, as white residents sought to distance their neighborhoods from African American communities. Addressing this legacy requires acknowledging the past and engaging in constructive conversations about how to build a more inclusive and equitable future for the city.
