CHARLOTTE, N.C. (June 30, 2022) – The City of Charlotte on Thursday unveiled the new Brooklyn Village Avenue street sign, marking the final street renaming to take place as part of the city's Legacy Commission work.

Brooklyn Village Avenue replaces Stonewall Street. It is the last of nine streets renamed following the Charlotte City Council's February 2021 adoption of Legacy Commission recommendations to rename streets that commemorated Confederate soldiers, enslavers and segregationists.

"In order to move forward in unity, I think it is clear that we needed to dismantle the symbols of racism that still existed in Charlotte," said Mayor Vi Lyles. "I take pride in the fact that we are now focusing on the positive and renaming this important city street to pay tribute to the thriving neighborhood that was once located in this area."

Brooklyn Village Avenue honors the legacy of Brooklyn, a predominately Black neighborhood in Charlotte's Second Ward. Brooklyn was its own community within the city, with businesses, schools, churches, restaurants, shops and entertainment. In 1958, an urban redevelopment plan was approved that would eventually efface more than 230 acres that encompassed the Brooklyn community. Ultimately, 1,007 families were displaced and 1,408 structures were demolished during the 1960s and 1970s, approximately 100 years after Brooklyn was first established.

"I applaud the city's thoughtful implementation of the Legacy Commission's recommendations," said Emily Zimmern, chair of the commission. "Community feedback has resulted in street names reflective of our dynamic and diverse city. I'm particularly delighted to see the legacy of a remarkable neighborhood celebrated by the renamed Brooklyn Village Avenue."

Residents and property owners who live on any of the nine renamed streets may locate resources by visiting charlottenc.gov/legacy, calling 311 or emailing legacy@charlottenc.gov for assistance.