Detroit Audubon to change name over namesake's racist history
The Detroit Audubon Society is changing its name in response to national controversy over namesake John James Audubon's involvement and promotion of slavery during his lifetime.
The Detroit chapter recently announced its new organization name, along with other chapters throughout the Midwest also affiliated with the National Audubon Society.
The Detroit Audubon will adopt the name Detroit Bird Alliance, Chicago Audubon Society will adopt Chicago Bird Alliance, and Madison Audubon will adopt Badgerland Bird Alliance, according to a news release from the Detroit chapter.
The three organizations desire a more inclusive name to create unity and collaboration amongst the bird community following the national organization’s decision to retain the current name, despite research showing the 19th century naturalist was a racist who kept slaves and was an anti-abolitionist, the release said.
“Our chapters believe that bird conservation should center birds and collaboration, rather than celebrate a historical figure that is aligned with systemic racism,” said Judy Pollock, president of the Chicago Audubon, soon to be Chicago Bird Alliance.. “We are happy to be part of a new group of chapters using this name, and welcome other chapters, community members, and partners to join us in our work.”
According to the Detroit Audubon website, the once positive association with Audubon’s name drastically shifted in recent years after research was released on his support of the eugenics movement, his involvement in the anti-abolitionist movement, and his use of slaves to help with his artwork.
“We hoped National Audubon was laying the groundwork to change its name to one that would better illustrate the mission and without an honorific or eponymous title. Unfortunately, National Audubon has chosen to keep Audubon in its name,” said Detroit Audubon’s website. “Our staff, board, and many of our members believe that continued association with the Audubon name is in direct conflict to our core values and only impedes our efforts to include everyone in the work to save birds.”
Gretchen Abrams, executive director at the Detroit Audubon, said the decision took collaboration with various chapters to create a more inclusive title.
“Our approach has always been to bring nature and people together in a way that serves both,” Abrams said. “It was important for us to collaborate with other Audubon chapters — especially those in our region — in adopting a name that unifies our members and unifies us as organizations.”
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Audubon will change name over namesake's racist history
