The city of Tucson is renaming a West Side park and adding Dolores Huerta's name to the municipal holiday celebrating labor leader César E. Chávez.
On Wednesday, Tucson Mayor Regina Romero and the Council voted to rename Christopher Columbus Park, 4300 N. Silverbell Rd., to Danny Lopez Park to honor the Tohono O'odham educator.
Last year, community members, including members of the Lopez family, pushed for the change, saying the park's previous name "glorifies a man whose actions perpetuated the mass genocide, abuse, and oppression of Indigenous people."
Originally called Silverbell Park, it was renamed in 1990 on the recommendation of the Tucson chapter of the Knights of Columbus to mark the 500th anniversary of Columbus' arrival in the "New World."
However, Azul Naverrete-Valera and Jolene Jose, the former co-president and the co-founder of the Tucson Native Youth Council, as well as Florence and Monica Lopez, the wife and daughter of Danny Lopez, along with community members Antonio Ramirez and Chucho Ruiz, asked for the change.
In a letter to Parks and Recreation Director Lara Hamwey, they said renaming the park in honor of Lopez, who died in 2008, would be a "a step toward reconciliation and healing."
Lopez was born in the Tohono O'odham village of Ge Oidag near Sells, Ariz., and taught O'odham language and culture in several schools throughout Pima County for more than 30 years.
"His dedication to preserving Tohono O'odham culture "embodies the values of inclusivity and empowerment that should define our public spaces in Tucson," the letter said.
Renaming the park will cost around $10,000 to change signs and the cost will be split between the Council offices serving Wards 1 and 3.
"This change is not merely symbolic; it represents a significant step toward acknowledging and respecting the rich Indigenous heritage of our region," said Tucson City Councilmember Lane Santa Cruz in a newsletter published Friday. "Tucson resides on the ancestral lands of the Tohono O'odham Nation. Renaming the park after Danny Lopez pays homage to the original stewards of this land and their enduring contributions to our community. It aligns with our city's commitment to inclusivity and respect for all cultures."
"Danny Lopez dedicated his life to preserving and teaching Tohono O'odham culture, language, and traditions," Santa Cruz wrote. "His efforts as a co-founder of the Desert Indian Dancers and his educational programs have left an indelible mark on countless individuals. Naming the park after him ensures that his legacy continues to inspire future generations. The current name, Christopher Columbus Park, has been a point of contention due to Columbus's historical impact on Indigenous populations."
"Renaming the park to honor Danny Lopez reflects our community's values of respect, inclusivity, and a commitment to righting historical wrongs," Santa Cruz wrote.
Santa Cruz thanked the community for the effort to rename the park.
"Your work has ensured that Danny Lopez's contributions will not be forgotten and that Tucson continues to be a place where history is told with honesty and integrity."
Romero and the Council also unanimously agreed to add Dolores Huerta's name to the city holiday for famed labor leader César E. Chávez.
Together, Chávez and Huerta founded of the National Farm Workers Association and pushed hard for rights of field workers throughout the Southwest. Huerta coined the rallying cry "Sí se puede," as the group launched a national boycott of grapes to force growers to improve working conditions.
Huerta received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2012 from President Barack Obama, and she continues to push for workers' rights with the United Farm Workers of America.
Tucson is one of a handful of cities that offer a day named for Chávez -- and now Huerta -- as a paid holiday.
"We also honored the work of Dolores Huerta in renaming the Dolores Huerta and César Chávez Holiday," Romero said. "Dolores Huerta's leadership, courage, and advocacy have been pivotal in the fight for social justice. Her work continues to inspire all of us."
"I am grateful for all the folks who came and spoke in support of the name change," Santa Cruz said. "Recognition - especially for women of color who have paved the way for us is important now more than ever. "