The name Stonewall Jackson invokes several memories, many of them painful ones. For the citizens of Manassas, the representation of Jackson is being challenged with a petition to  have it removed. But that is not the only monument of the Confederate general that may be changed, as several people came together in front of Stonewall Jackson High School on Saturday to voice their opinions on whether it should be changed or not.

As we visited the school grounds, there were two clearly divided sections alongside Rixlew Lane. The gathering of supporters was a mostly older, all white crowd and those who opposed the name change were predominantly younger and very diverse backgrounds. Cars would drive by and honk depending on which viewpoint they supported. Both camps took the time to speak with us today and share what they believed why it should be changed, and for those who believed in the tradition remaining in place.

We first spoke with Payne Richard, a 1976 graduate of the school. “The name Stonewall Jackson High School has been here for 50 years, and I don’t see the racial issue behind the name,” said Richard. “Not everyone wants to change it, but if they wish to, I won’t stand in their way. A dialogue would be great with those who may not understand it.”

Sandi Large, a 1967 graduate came wearing American flag regalia, spoke passionately about the concept behind keeping the Stonewall Jackson name. “It may not mean something to these students, but it means something to me. Why would you want to erase history? You might as well erase us. There was not even a public hearing, and not we’re finding out they are doing a school board meeting on Monday.”

“It’s sad, let’s leave it alone and come together for an understanding.”

Roberta Haggerty, one of the gathering’s primary organizers, spoke about the reasons they should wait to change the name. “Stonewall Jackson HS is going to be renovated in the next 5 to 7 years anyways,” said the 1976 graduate. “They should just rename it when they renovate the school. It’s going to cost so much money to change the name now and they should use that money instead for the teacher’s budget.”

She goes on to talk about how “We are here saying that people should be loving diversity instead of division.”

Mark Davis, one of the supporters for keeping the name, placed the blame on a changing culture. “A lot of this is happening due to PC gone nuts. It’s censorship, we need to have a dialogue about this. Where does it stop?”

While there was a definite emotion about keeping the tradition, a younger generation felt different. As they continuously chanted, “Hey, Ho, these racists names have got to go!” their numbers for a majority of the time doubled those who were on the other side. Blasting the music of Kendrick Lamar and Childish Gambino on the speakers, they were in unison calling for change and gave several personal reasons as to why.

Aeshah Sheikh, whose daughter played for the SJHS Raiders basketball and field hockey teams, talked about how the name has impacted the school financially. “Sometimes, we can’t even receive money because as soon as we mention the name ‘Stonewall Jackson,’ people are hesitant,” said Sheikh, who organized the gathering in only 24 hours.

Angela Henz, a 2002 graduate, talked about how although she enjoyed her time at SJHS, is hurt at why they kept the controversial name. “I lettered here and never wore my jacket because it bears this name. I wouldn’t even hang my diploma because that name is on it. I came from Germany and they are aware of their history, and they don’t make excuses. It’s time to do the same here,” said Henz.

After the gathering came to a close, we heard from Michele Green, whose son recently graduated. “Although, my son is now a graduate of the school, we’re in total support of the Stonewall Jackson High School name change,” said Green. “It’s long overdue. However, I’m not in favor of the current name choice on the table. The school is predominantly Hispanic and Black, which I’ve always felt was strategically intentional, but I digress. As this was the “chosen plan” for one we really need to be cognizant and thoughtful to the diversity there.”

Green continues on to discuss how a previous name change to another educational institution will provide the litmus for SJHS. “Yes, we already have the Jennie Dean Elementary School, I personally am in favor of the school being renamed after her just the same. Hopefully her noted tenacity to edify her people with faith and uncommon fund raising to establish a school for young people of color, will be a new vision for the school to actually and finally adhere to, for all nationalities alike.”

Speaking of name changes, Langston Carter has developed a petition to change the name in honor of Dr. Ibram X. Kendi, a graduate of SJHS who has gone to become one of the nation’s leading voices for anti-racism.

“As a descendant of the very people Jackson fought to enslave, it’s insulting to have to drive by a school bearing his name and honoring his memory,” said Carter, the author of the petition. “The school was named for the sole purpose of hurting our people. It’s time to change it.”

For those who would like to sign the petition, they can click on the following link. As of press time there is no known online petition to keep the name.

There were several moments throughout the peaceful gathering in which both sides had taken the time to establish dialogue. Sheikh provided a moment of unity as she and other students brought water to the older audience who were in support of keeping the name. They supporters were very thankful and took the time to talk with her.

On Monday night there will be a Prince William County School Board hearing over the decision to change the name. Whatever happens with the decision, one can only hope that it finally brings a fractured community together.