" Sounds like a great idea, never hurts to remind people of the sacrifices others had to make. There are lots of local civil rights heroes we could honor too. George Flippin or Will Castone were early pioneers that don't get talked about that much. "

" Sounds like a dumb idea. She was a great woman, sure, but why does every major city have to fall in lock-step and name something after her? I'm sorry, but capital parkway makes sense (since it goes past the capital) and I don't see why it needs to change. "

" Leave it as it is. Name a new street somewhere else after her. "

" Yes, the NAACP should pay the cost. If you have been paying any attention at all, our city is not overflowing with extra cash. This street name is HARDLY a NEED of the city. It is a wishful WANT of a few. Mr Stokes, it is a little different when it is YOUR money isn't it. "

" This is a "harmless?" tactic to incorporate a rallying point. Isn't there a list of names that might be used to "rename" impotant streets in an orderly and methodical way that takes race out of the process? MLK seems to be a grater symbol, as we do have a national holiday named after him. "

" There's no reason to rename that street! Leave it alone! "

" I'd rather see it named the Malcom X Parkway, since at least has some ties to Nebraska. "

" Rosa Parks was a great woman, who stood up for what was right. But, I dont think we should name a street after her in Lincoln. What tie does she have to our community? Lets save the memorial naming to presidents and local persons of distinction. "

" I agree with JT. How about someone local like Lenora Letcher. Wonderful woman who I taught this small town kid a lot. "

" I have no problem with a public thoroughfare of some sort being named for Rosa Parks, but I think it would be more appropriate to do so in Montgomery, Alabama, where she lived rather than in Lincoln, a city she probably never visited in her life. My main opposition to this proposal is based on the idea that $15,000 to $20,000 of our tax money is essentially going to a vanity project. Instead of renaming Capitol Parkway, I think it would be better and far less expensive to name a street in some newly developed subdivision for Ms. Parks. If the NAACP wants to pony up the 20 grand to change the signs on Capital Parkway, I'll reconsider, but I think there are prominent black Americans who are probably more deserving of this honor. Thurgood Marshall and Martin Luther King immediately come to mind. "

" Only if the NAACP pays for it. That amount of money could go to a lot more important things. "

" I'm all for naming a street after Rosa Parks, but doesn't Capitol Parkway have enough names already? It turns into Normal Blvd, L St and K St on one end, and 70th street on the other. I have a hard enough time telling people how to get across town...now I've got to name them 4 streets that are all really the same street? "

" i think this is a stupid idea, like others have said, she has no ties to our community, capital parkway is named as such b/c it goes by our capital. whats next, changing Line Drive by Haymarket park to Cesar Chavez Drive. "

" I am completely against renaming streets. It messes people up and makes it impossible to use map quest. The only time they should rename a street for any reason is if it is a Hitler Ave. or something like that. "

" I'm not sure what Rosa Parks had to do with Lincoln. Like Sam B. said, this would seem proper in Alabama. Maybe I'm not old enough or don't recall the slavery in Nebraska. Generally we name streets for people that have had some impact on our city or Country....that being said, Rosa did make an impact, but I'm not sure it fits in Lincoln....but if the NAACP wants to fok over every dime it takes to change every map, every street sign etc, be my guest. I wonder how many property titles would need to be changed and utility maps with names etc. Make sure Mayor that they pay for every penny of this change if it is granted...Otherwise name some other street that is being developed, or does the NAACP have monay to waste on changing something that has been around for a while? "

" I too agree that cost should be considered, but the argument that she had no ties to Lincoln is poor. Since the state of Nebraska was not a state I doubt Abe Lincoln had ties to the state but like him, Rosa Parks's action led to this country living up to its creed "we hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal" even in Lincoln Nebraska "

" I wonder if it wouldn't be more meaningful to name a street after a distinguished person of color from Nebraska--say the late Hughes Shanks or the late Kendall McWilliams or even the late Malcolm X. I would also have to agree with Sylvia that this particular street already HAS too many names. "

" I have to agree with many on here that Ms. Parks was a very important person in the Civil Rights movement, but I can't see how renaming a street here, or portion thereof, has any merit. If we were in Alabama, then OK, but there are no local ties at all. I could see Malcome X I guess... "

" I am glad to see that Lincoln City Council members are able to foresee and interpret the kind of recognition and awareness that has been proposed by the NAACP when compared with other Lincolnites. The reasons against such a move are pittance when weighed against the social and psychological ramifications of the proposal. Firstly, the cost of the project will be of covered by the NAACP themselves so no one’s tax dollars will be going towards it. It’s sad that people don’t make an outcry of the fact that their tax dollars are going to murder people in foreign countries but would get bent out of the shape to discover money was slated to honor a champion of equal rights. But this is a moot point since the NAACP is paying for it anyway. And am I the only one who wants to know why it takes $15,000-$20,000 to make and change some street signs? Secondly, why does Rosa Parks have to have a direct correlation with Lincoln? What is the connection of ‘P’ or ‘X’ streets to Lincoln? While Rosa Parks never set foot in the great state of Nebraska, she most certainly has had an impact here. Are there not African-Americans and other minorities that have not benefited from Ms. Park’s decision to refuse to move to the back of the bus on that fateful day in Montgomery? Thirdly, one of the effects of the name change would be the posted awareness of the only woman and only the second African American buried in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda in Washington. It gives parents an opportunity to explain to their children who Rosa Parks is when they are driving by the Capitol Building and on past Lincoln High, the most ethnically diverse high school in town. This proposal is grounded in education and what two better monuments to have the street run by? The street should be where many motorists can see it, not in the remote suburbs of south Lincoln. Why do we need to have the street that runs by the Capitol Building called “Capitol Parkway” when the city of Lincoln still clings to the prehistoric law that no building shall overtake the Capitol in height? It’s not like we’re going to lose sight of it. And finally, I agree that Hughes Shanks, Kendall McWilliams, Malcolm X, Cesar Chavez, Thurgood Marshall, Martin Luther King, George Flippin and Will Castone are all worthy of Lincoln streets as well. So instead of demeaning the proposal of Rosa Parks Way by suggesting other names, why don’t we change meaningless street names like ‘Lake’ and ‘High’ or develop new ones to people we can foster education towards? Let’s be proud that Lincoln, Nebraska would be at the forefront of honoring Rosa Parks with a street, a minimal deed compared with her great actions. "

" I am opposed to renaming streets for the confusion reasons stated below (freeways are another story). However, to state that Rosa Parks did not have a huge influence in Nebraska is flat-out wrong. Her act of civil disobedience, while cpaturing much of the spirit of the Civil Rights Movement itself, speaks to a much broader sense of freedom and responsbility undertaken each day by the common citizen. Yes, there were 'White Only' signs that were removed in Nebraska. But there may be other 'Whites Only' signs in our society today that we need to remind ourselves that our obedience to such societal "norms" implies consent. Rosa Parks' small but significant action shows that we must demand "Equality Before the Law" as it will not be handed out without our due vigilance. "

" Summing up my agreements with other posts that this is a well-intentioned, horrible idea: 1) Capital Parkway goes by the State Capitol building. That's why it's Capital Parkway. 2) This street criscrosses Lincoln, spits into two and changes names across the city. Why add to the confusion? 3) Rosa Parks is not from Nebraska. Our street names should reflect the diversity of our community; they also should reflect members of our community. 4) Why not peg the minority name to a new street that is likely to become a major Lincoln thoroughfare, rather than spend thousands repainting signs? "

" There are some minority people in Lincoln that have contributed to Lincoln in one great way or another--especially some black teachers or Rev McWilliams. I think you could get a very good list of these people who would be a better candidates. I think Rosa Park did a great thing, but not for Lincoln directly. Think minority Lincoln and come up with canidates here and name new roads after them, not existing. "

" How about naming the South Bypass after her? That would avoid the cost of changing signs. "

" How about the city, the streets and roads folks and the NAACP all work together to designate upcoming future appropriate roadways and related projects for Martin Luther King, Malcolm X and Rosa Parks. Its a win-win. "

" If you're going to rename the street, in front of the Nebraska Capitol, shouldn't it be named after someone from Nebraska? There are many noteable Nebraskans that are deserving of such an honor. But frankly I don't see why it should be renamed. "

" I'd rather see it renamed to honor the greatest African American this state has seen. I propose: Ernie Chambers Blvd "

" "P" and "X" are more than common regarding street names through out the nation, if you really want to start calling up 'what does that have to do with lincoln', we can really dig up some stupid arguements, much like the "p"and"x" arguement. I have to agree with a few posters who question how, at most 10 street signs are going to cost $20000. Also, there hasn't been anybody buried in the U.S. Capital Rotunda. They have the bodys lie in state there. "

" Don't we have enough streets in this country named after Martin Luther King, Rosa Parks, and other great African-Americans? We all acknowledge their contribution to our country, but I think the number of streets, buildings, schools, etc., named after them has become disproportionate. They didn't have any connection to Nebraska. Most early settlers of Nebraska were german and scandinavian immigrants who's families didn't even arrive here 'til slavery was a thing of the past! "

" That is a matter of opinion brian. I submit there has never been a person who has done more harm to our city and state than the person you describe. "

" To heck with the naacp!! They are a race based group that have no moral standing to demand anything from anybody. Don't give in to this. Rosa Parks is ancient history. Our streets deserve names in honor of Nebraskans. And since when did we have to start worrying about whether or not we have "enough" minority representation in our street names? Oh yeah, since the naacp decided. Last I knew, the naacp wasn't elected for anything. I guarantee if the city council denies their request, then a law suit will be in the works. If Rosa Parks is such a big icon in the black community then why can't a large percentage of black young people name her? Get over the guilt America. Civil rights isn't a black issue, its a human issue. Its hard to believe that in this century we still have an organization that openly advocates for people based solely on race. Racism. "

" I guess I did not know that all you have to do is have money and a political agenda tied to history to change street names. How about Gale Sayers Blvd., class act and Hall of Fame football player, Warren Buffet Expressway, probably brings the most attention to Nebraska worldwide, Dick Cheney Bypass?(insert joke here____), William Jennings Bryant, Scopes monkey trails for all you creationists out there. President elect, wait not elected, appointed, Gerald Ford, says he saved the nation from the trauma of impeaching a president in the case of Nixon, Maybe, Bess Streeter Aldrich Highway, famous womens author, oh wait, we did that out where she was raised here in Nebraska. I am sure there are other "famous" Nebraskans that we should name streets after as well, these are just a few to get started with. "

" The stretch of Capitol Parkway does not go past the Capitol or any other address for that matter. It is from 9th Street to U.S. 77. The issue we should be debating is whether or not that stretch is worthy of Rosa Parks' name, not whether it will cause confusion (it's already confusing which stretch of Capitol Parkway you are talking about). Omaha has Kennedy Freeway, which is not a particularly Camelot-esque stretch of pavement. I think Rosa Parks Way would be an appropriate name for a road approaching the Capitol from afar and reminding one of their civil responsibilities, large and small. "

" Yawn! Another massive effort for little effect in the name of political correctness. "

" It is so sad when a positive opportunity like this gets hammered by negativity and naysayers. Once again, someone has offered to bring something positive to our community and with no cost to the taxpayer. Yet we bury the idea in criticism before it gets started. Bravo, Lincoln! Be proud of your thoughtful and progressive community spirit! "

" Rosa Parks is not ancient history. I'd still rather see someone local, the muralist Aaron Douglas would be another great choice. "

" First off people, read the article to the end: "the NAACP branch intends to try to raise the money to avoid creating any “bone of contention”" So it won't cost any tax money. Secondly, I think it might not be a bad idea to rename the whole street from US77 to 70th Rosa Parks Memorial Drive. Each section could maintain its original name, but one name could refer to the whole distance. In a similar way, Tom Osborne Expressway is still US281, but is quite clearly a landmark name for a particular portion of that highway. Rosa Parks Drive could be a general name for the route continuous from 77 past the capital and out to 70th. Probably way too late in the discussion for this sort of a change, but it could work and appease some complainers. Also, we as a city should use forward thinking when naming streets in newly developed parts of town. Why aren't any parts of the Antelope Valley project named after people of color? Or are they? I've really not heard about new street names associate with that project. Maybe that could be a great opportunity. We've got too many streets named after rich white folk. How about some new suburb dedicated to non-white leaders or even regular folk? I think living at the corner of McWillams and Chambers in the Shanks Villa neighborhood would be grand! "

" I certainly have no qualms with naming streets after people involved in a significant chapter of history. But......I think there should be a procedure in place to say when and how street name changes are made. It took an act of the Legislature to name the Bob Devaney Sports Center. Seems that a state building can not be named after someone that is living and still working for the state. Maybe someone should be dead for 20 years as well. I think that's a good way to go. How many roads or highways in this state are named after living people. What happens, heaven forbid, if one of these people becomes embedded in scandal. Regardless, there are a number of people in Nebraska history that deserve the recognition. In addition to a lot of names in previous posts, I can see Red Cloud and a number of the other Chiefs who fought for the Civil Rights of the Native Americans, to the point of gaining the acceptance as "Human Beings" in the eye of the Courts. This occurred much later in history than the Emancipation Proclaimation. "

" The United States Congress has dubbed Rosa Parks the “Mother of the Modern Civil Rights Movement”. Lincoln residents should be honored to have a main street in its downtown center named after her. Furthermore, the people of Lincoln should be thankful that a group of volunteers are willing to put in the legwork to make this a reality. Ms. Parks understood that in her role as a working class person (seamstress) she was in a position to take action against injustice. Her refusal to give up a seat near the front of the bus on December 1, 1955 set in motion the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the prominence of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as a leader in the Civil Rights Movement. Her memory should be a motivating factor for the working class people of Lincoln. It is possible for anyone to make change. Children for generations to come will have the opportunity to ask as they pass the Capitol on their way towards Highway 77: “Who was Rosa Parks?” I hope that this question will be answered with great pride by parents, teacher, politicians, steel workers, preachers, garbage collectors, nurses, food service employees, railroaders, etc. The answer: “She was a regular woman who understood the terror of injustice. Her action had a profound impact on the history of our country…just like the kind of action you can take against injustice in your community.” "

" Count me in as being all for it. We obviously need more reminders that we are a Populist state, and nothing says Populist like an old woman who said "let the staus quo be damned" in favor of doing what is right. You all who turn this into a race or regional issue miss the whole point of Rosa Parks' legacy, and a project like this might do some good to revitalize the ideals of freedom in a concrete (pardon the pun) way. "