Faith leader fights to change Boston-based

Faneuil Hall is named after slave trader Peter Faneuil. (Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash)

Social justice activists are rallying together in efforts to change the name of one of Boston's biggest attractions. Faneuil Hall is named after slave trader Peter Faneuil.

Fighting to Change Name of Faneuil Hall

In a report with NPR, there is debate on whether the shops and restaurants should be renamed.

Ministers and activists are now fighting to have Faneuil Hall renamed. Rev. Kevin Peterson hopes to have the attraction change its name into a spiritual one.

Peterson explained that racism was a "spiritual crisis" in the country.

The faith leader and other social justice activists have fasted on what to rename Faneuil Hall. The report said they have meditated on what to name the building.

The activists gathered on Wednesday, Aug. 10, and chanted their protests to the tune of the Destiny's Child hit song "Say My Name."

Changing Name

The minister and a group of activists took to Boston City Hall to demand the name change. They said that Peter Faneuil was a slave owner who amassed his wealth on innocents' blood, sweat, and tears.

They decried Faneuil for his part in trafficking and selling slaves. Samuel Pierce from Dorchester supports the cause.

Pierce pointed out that Cong. Ayanna Pressley said, "the people closest to the pain should be closest to the power."

He explained that the government should ensure that none of its buildings or streets were named after those who promoted slavery.

Praying for Those Who Were Forced Into Slavery

Ptr. Valerie Copeland lifted the crowd in prayer. She prayed for those torn away from their native Africa to become slaves in a strange country.

Copeland pointed out that to this day, the descendants of those who suffered slavery were denied their rights.

While some supported the activists in their fight to change the name of Faneuil Hall, some said that doing so would not change much.

One person pointed out that they could not change history. The hall in downtown Boston attracts millions of visitors each year.

Reverend Peterson told the news outlet that they expect to file legislation soon to address the name change.

He explained that doing so would change the narrative of the city. Peterson hopes that they could also veer the city towards a brighter future.

Complicated Man

According to NPS, Faneuil had an ample fortune at his death.

He was already one of the wealthiest people in Boston. According to the article, he made his fortunes like most of Boston's colonial elite.

Faneuil was a known trader in the Atlantic world. Many merchants like him found the network of Transatlantic Trade to be lucrative because of the institution of slavery.

His fellow merchants amassed their wealth through trafficking slaves. Faneuil also traded goods that were a product of slave labor.

Bostonians have often debated Faneuil's legacy following his death and considered him a complicated man.

Faneuil Hall found a new identity as the "Cradle of Liberty." Modern-day activists have also adopted Faneuil Hall as the venue of protests.

The memory of a man known for his generosity to the city was replaced with the reality of a merchant who made his wealth with strong connections to slavery.