Jacksonville, Fla. — Eligible community members can vote in the renaming of Andrew Jackson, Jean Ribault, and Robert E. Lee High Schools, and Jean Ribault Middle School starting Monday, April 26.
About two dozen volunteers turned up Saturday morning to get the word out about the upcoming vote to change the name of Robert E. Lee High School.
“This is a historic occasion. We want you to be a part of it,” said Ben Frazier, Founder and President of the Northside Coalition of Jacksonville, a civil rights nonprofit group. They want American Confederate general Robert E. Lee to stay in the past, and make way for the future.
“[Lee] fought to keep my people in chains,” Frazier said. “That must end. We must move forward as a city.”
Some volunteers like Debby Tribble knocked on 50 different doors to reach neighbors.
“There was only one person that said that they were against it, but they were cordial,” she said. “But, for response, we’ve had quite a few people.”
Volunteers also want to remind eligible voters that starting Monday, April 26, you must come to Robert E. Lee High School in person to cast your ballot.
Starting Monday, people will also be able to vote for the renaming of Andrew Jackson, Jean Ribault, and Jean Ribault Middle School. The voting period runs through Friday, May 7; hours are 10:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m. Monday – Friday.
Lee High School voting hours are 10:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Eligible voters include: students, staff, parents of the PTA, alumni, community members and the School Advisory Council. The SAC will vote separately on May 10.
To vote, you just need a picture ID with your address or mail that proves you live in the area. There will be five name options on the list, including the school’s original name. The five names to appear on the ballot for Lee High School: Riverside High School Avondale High School School #33 Legacy High School Robert E. Lee High School
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