Austin City Council approves road name changes

After months of heated debate two streets in Austin presumably named after Confederate leaders has been changed. Council approved changing Jeff Davis Avenue to Will Holland Avenue and Robert E. Lee Road to Azie Taylor Morton Road.

Thursday City Council heard public comment for more than two hours of some longtime residents opposed of changing the names and many in support.

Council member Leslie Pool said William Holland was just the person to name a street after. He was a Travis County Commissioner, a fierce advocate for the African American community and worked to assist hearing impaired students.

“He was born into slavery freed by his father, fought in the Civil War on the Union side served as a state representative and a county commissioner,” Pool said.

For some the renaming of the streets meant more than just an address change but a move to honor local leaders. Morton’s oldest daughter Virgie said she was overwhelmed with gratitude.

 “I’m thankful and grateful that everyone recognizes her,” Virgie Morton said. “My mother gave a lot to her community she wanted to give back to the city to the students at Houston-Tillotson and she did that she was very loving and caring towards education she wanted that for everyone.”