NEW ORLEANS - District “D” Councilmember Jared C. Brossett introduced an ordinance at yesterday's City Council meeting to rename Robert E Lee Blvd. to Allen Toussaint Blvd.

The street currently honors a commanding officer of the Confederacy. Councilmember Brossett seeks to honor the accomplished musician and producer who was born and raised in New Orleans and left an indelible mark on the city’s culture.

To initiate the street renaming process, the Councilmember sent a letter to the City Planning Commission staff who has 60 days to conduct a public hearing and present its report. Once the commission makes a decision, Councilmember Brossett’s ordinance, which is co-sponsored by Councilmembers Palmer and Nguyen, will move to the full Council for action.

“It’s well beyond time to make this change," said Councilmember Brossett. "The City of New Orleans should prioritize celebrating our culture bearers, our diversity, and everything that makes our City special, not those who worked to tear us apart and represent a horrible history of racism that we are still dealing with today. Allen Toussaint is a New Orleans native and world-renowned musician. He represents the very best of our city, and I am proud to take this step toward honoring his legacy.”