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Community members urge renaming of James Blair Middle School at WJCC meeting
Summary
Multiple speakers at the WJCC public comment period urged the board to begin renaming James Blair Middle School, arguing the current namesake participated in enslavement and that a new name would better reflect inclusion and community values.
Speakers at the Williamsburg‑James City County School Board meeting asked the board to move forward with renaming James Blair Middle School.
"A school's name is more than just a convenient label," Karen Burgess (as recorded) told the board, arguing that the name James Blair "reflects a legacy of racism" and that renaming does not erase history but offers an opportunity to teach it.
Jacqueline Williams, director of the Village Initiative, said the school name carries "historical weight" and urged the board to act with "clarity and conviction" to begin a renaming process that she described as "a step toward healing." Williams emphasized the personal impact on students who are descendants of people denied education under the historical figure's practices.
Board members did not take action on renaming during the meeting; the comments were made during the public‑comment period for the evening and will be part of the record should the board advance next steps in a future agenda.
The meeting record does not show a formal response from the board deciding to open a renaming process at this session.
