Interesting

In a move to continue its path toward a more inclusive and antiracist future, Seattle’s became the first large chapter in the National Audubon Society network to publicly declare its intention to remove “Audubon” from the organization’s name. 

The relevance of John James Audubon (1785-1851) to a changing country has undergone scrutiny the past few years, coinciding with a national reckoning over race in U.S. history. 

Seattle’s Board of Directors unanimously passed the resolution on July 14, 2022, noting the name change will follow a thoughtful and inclusive process. No deadlines or candidates for a replacement name have been established. 

The societies named for Audubon were formed after his death. He was known for his paintings and descriptions of U.S. bird species in his seminal work, “The Birds of America.” Less known are Audubon’s history of buying and selling Black people as slaves, his contributions to white-supremacist thought and policy, and opposition to abolition, as well as his appropriation of Black and Indigenous observations of bird species. 

“The shameful legacy of the real John James Audubon, not the mythologized version, is antithetical to the mission of this organization and its values,” said Claire Catania, Executive Director of the Seattle chapter. “Our members, volunteers, and staff are focused on a future where the perspectives and contributions of all people are valued—especially those who have been systemically excluded. The challenges facing humans and birds alike demand that we build a radically inclusive coalition to address them. 

 “Knowing what we now know and hearing from community members how the Audubon name is harmful to our cause, there is no other choice but to change.” ‘We’re here for the birds, for the people, and for nature’