Rename the Rolando Post Office

There was nothing special about the statue of Saddam that was put up in Firdos Square in April 2002 to mark his 65th birthday. Firdos Square is not the most important location in Baghdad, and the statue was unexceptional: a bronze standing figure, 12 metres high, weighing around a tonne. The fact that it was not a big deal may be one reason why, since its destruction, there has been confusion as to who made it.

I am writing regarding San Diego Unified School District’s Names Committee resolution H-3 coming before the Board on April 16, 2024, to recommend changing the name of Henry Clay Elementary to Rolling Hills Leadership Elementary. 

Our community came forward to advocate for a restorative name for our community school. The school district has not provided any community education or facilitated engagement. The name Rolling Hills goes against the voice and mission of our community, and goes against the Board of Education’s public commitment toward restorative and racial justice. 

The name Rolling Hills is a known allusion to the name of our neighborhood, Rolando. This was a name created by the land developer in the 1950’s who built this racially redlined neighborhood. A neighborhood where Black people were not allowed to purchase homes. The developers chose Rolando because they wanted a name that sounded “exotic”. To name this school Rolling Hills is to continue to uphold and celebrate a history of white supremacy. 

We were assured repeatedly that the recommended name would not be decided based on popular vote, and yet this is now being cited as the rationale to recommend Rolling Hills. The survey that is being referenced is out of alignment with every other survey and community dialogue that has taken place in the last two years.  The process has lacked transparency, integrity, and honesty. 

We strongly urge you to not accept Rolling Hills Leadership Elementary, and to support the community's engaged, educated, and restorative recommendation bell hooks Elementary School. 

With thanks,

The People of Not OK with Clay