Taney Street in Philadelphia's Grays Ferry neighborhood renamed in honor of Caroline LeCount

Thursday, December 5, 2024 6:55AM ET
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Mayor Cherelle Parker signed legislation on Wednesday to rename Taney Street in Philadelphia's Grays Ferry neighborhood in honor of Caroline LeCount.

Supreme Court Chief Justice Roger B. Taney was infamous for the Dred Scott decision that denied citizenship to African Americans.

Former Supreme Court Justice Roger Taney



There was overwhelming support from residents to rename the street after LeCount as a small but necessary way to right a wrong, and recognize someone truly deserving.

RELATED: Philadelphia community campaigns to change street name with controversial history

LeCount was a Philadelphia civil rights pioneer and educator. She was the first Black woman to pass the city's teaching exam.

Caroline LeCount was a Philadelphia civil rights pioneer and educator.



The streets department will begin replacing street signs at 32 intersections over the next six months.



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