After a long period of discussion and disagreement, the signs named after Confederate war leaders in Hollywood have started being removed and replaced with new signs with more generic and, to many, more positive names.
The signs on Forrest Street were taken down last week and replaced by signs renaming Forrest Street to Freedom Street. The signs on Hood Street were also taken down and replaced with signs renamed the street Hope Street, and signs on Lee Street will similarly come down shortly and will be replaced by new ones, renaming the street to its new name, Liberty Street.
This action follows a few years of contentious meetings, debates, and demonstrations. Hollywood activist Benjamin Israel led the effort to change the names of the signs and eventually received help from powerful political leaders. The cost of changing the signs was paid by private citizens who supported Israel and his efforts.
