"Seattle Audubon said John James Audubon’s troubling legacy is ‘antithetical’ to the chapter’s values".
"One of the largest chapters in the National Audubon Society network is changing its name to distance itself from John James Audubon, the famed naturalist who was also an enslaver and a strong critic of those who sought to free African Americans from bondage.
In a virtual meeting with members Tuesday, Seattle Audubon leaders described the action as a bold move to be among the first to change its name to promote “anti-racism,” diversity and inclusion — and perhaps set an example for the 117-year-old society’s more than 450 chapters to follow. The chapter’s resolution to make the change was approved weeks ago by a 9-0 vote.
In a statement, Claire Catania, the Seattle chapter’s executive director, said: “The shameful legacy of the real John James Audubon, not the mythologized version, is antithetical to the mission of this organization and its values.”"
Darryl Fears reports for the Washington Post July 28, 2022.
