In a move to honor the legacy of an enslaved woman from the 18th century, the busy Boston thoroughfare Bussey Street has officially been renamed Flora Way. This decision came after a community vote and dedication ceremony attended by Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and other local officials. Flora, who lived nearby, was chosen by residents from the neighborhoods of Jamaica Plain and Roslindale, as well as respondents citywide and statewide.
The renaming process was initiated by local advocates who wanted to shed light on the complicated legacy of Benjamin Bussey, a businessman who donated a large portion of the green space that would later become Arnold Arboretum. While not directly involved in slavery, Bussey made his fortune from goods produced by enslaved people. The decision to rename the street to Flora Way was approved by the Boston Public Improvement Commission, marking the end of a two-year advocacy effort.
Flora’s name was chosen to reflect the lush greenery of the Arboretum where she once lived. This renaming effort is part of a larger movement to reevaluate the names of streets and landmarks with ties to slavery and honor the untold stories of marginalized individuals in history. Bussey’s legacy, however, will still be preserved in other landmarks within the area.
Source
Photo credit www.boston.com