Word is out: a group of Montrealers would like to change the rename Lionel Groulx metro station after Oscar Peterson. This organized effort started on Facebook and it is gaining momentum. Oscar Peterson, a world renowned Jazz pianist with roots in St-Henri and Little Burgundy died on December 23rd 2007.
Quotes from Montreal residents at the Sud-Ouest arrondissement March 4th council meeting (CBC news March 5, 08):
“We need to have a positive representation in Montreal, and especially in Saint-Henri and Little Burgundy, of a positive black figure [who] has marked the city, but has also contributed to the world of music internationally” – Khoba Sysavane
“I can think of few tributes more fitting to a great man of the people than to be commemorated by something that’s of great benefit to all citizens of the city. …People of every background can look up to Oscar Peterson.” “He was in his lifetime living proof that you don’t need to be rich or powerful in order to be an influence and a great figure, whereas Lionel Groulx was an oppressive figure, someone who discriminated and created divisions in society.” – Michael Citrome moderator of the Rename Lionel-Groulx Metro after Oscar Peterson facebook group.
News Stories and Blog Articles
- Oscar Peterson metro won’t be easy to accomplish (Fagstein Blog, February 27, 2008)
- Montrealers want Oscar Peterson metro station (CBC March 5 2008): Facebooker’s descend upon Sud-Ouest arrondissement council meeting. Councillor Pierre Frechette says that a city council committee is considering options to pay to tribute to Peterson, including renaming the metro station.
- Peterson fans court council for support: Want métro station renamed in his honour (Gazette, March 5 2008)
- Kicking the Bigots Off the Metro (Slushblog March 6, 2008)
- Comment honorer Oscar Peterson? (TQS.ca March 6, 2008, video)
- Le chanoine Groulx détrôné par Oscar Peterson? (Radio-Canada, March 6, 2008)
- En voiture avec Lionel Groulx ou Oscar Peterson? (Sur le web, Radio-Canada, March 6, 2008)
- Oscar Peterson Proposal in Montreal Causes Flap. (NY Times, March 7, 2008)
Wow, I didn’t know anything about Lionel Groulx before I came across your blog. I just read his bio on wikipedia and I’m astonished that they’d name a metro after him! That’s really disturbing…
Thanks for doing this blog. I live in St. Henri, and I really like learning about the neighborhood!
WE HAD A FUN-FILLED CHILDHOOD ON COURSOL STREET (1942-1953) WITH SO MANY OTHER CHILDREN. AFTER SCHOOL (EITHER ROYAL ARTHUR OR ST. ANTHONY’S) WE MADE A BEE-LINE FOR THE IVERLEY COMMUNITY CENTRE (NOW THE NEGRO COMMUNITY CENTRE) WHERE THERE WERE SO MANY ACTIVITIES.
WE N-E-V-E-R HEARD THE NAME LIONEL GROULX (NOR LITTLE BURGUNDY)! SO RE-NAMING THIS METRO STATION FOR OSCAR PETERSON SOUNDS JUST FINE.
D. LAPOINTE