KC residents ask city to remove J.C. Nichols’ name, but they want everyone to know why

Most who spoke Wednesday at a virtual parks department hearing want Kansas City to change the name of the J.C. Nichols fountain and parkway. And many also want the city to help educate the public about who Nichols was.

“It is so important that we use this opportunity not just to remove the name and check a box, but to use this opportunity to educate our entire city,” said Steff Hedenkamp, one of some 30 people who raised their hands to speak over Zoom. More than 100 people watched.

The Kansas City Parks and Recreation board of commissioners hosted the session in partnership with the Kansas City Public Library.

Parks Commissioner Chris Goode proposed removing Nichols’ name from the icons, saying Nichols promoted racism by restricting Black people, Jews and others from the neighborhoods he developed. Nichols also developed the Country Club Plaza in the 1920s, where the fountain and parkway are located.

“It’s high time that we remove the name of J.C. Nichols from the fountain and the boulevard,” Bill Kriege said. ”Monuments and honorary namings are for people of exemplary character.”

Some speakers called for a plaque or museum exhibit explaining Nichols’ history and impact.

“I think it’s so important that we commit to doing the next step as well, which is to further education around J.C. Nichols,” Nathaniel Bozarth said. “Taking away his name and renaming it is a great step but must be coupled with additional efforts.”

But some speakers focused solely on changing the name.

“It is a mistake to think of this as an issue of the past. The effects of J.C. Nichols are still very much felt today all across our city,” Neve Tilbury said. “A plaque or a statement is not enough. We need to take down the name.”

Speakers suggested new names for both landmarks, including naming the road in honor of Vietnam War veterans because of the proximity to the Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Fountain, Mill Creek Parkway for the nearby park, and Community Fountain on the Plaza because it is a public gathering place.

Teola Powell said the fountain is often shown on national television as a landmark in Kansas City.

“If we want to continue to be the city of fountains and celebrate Kansas City as a good city, we cannot celebrate J.C. Nichols fountain,” Powell said.

An in-person session on the subject last week drew about 160 people, and most speakers supported removing Nichols’ name.

The board expects to discuss the name removal at its next meeting June 30.

This story was originally published June 24, 2020 at 5:20 PM.