The city of Philadelphia made a significant stride in 2026 by renaming Taney Street to LeCount Street, a decision that resonated deeply with many residents. This historic change was not just about altering a street sign; it was about reclaiming a piece of the city’s identity and honoring a forgotten hero. The journey to this renaming was long and arduous, but the impact is undeniable.
Samaya Brown, a community activist who played a pivotal role in advocating for the new street name, vividly recalls the moment the old sign came down. ‘I ran outside with no shoes on, and they unscrewed the sign, and the Taney Street sign fluttered and fell to the ground, and I just like cried as the LeCount sign was going up,’ she said. This emotional moment marked the culmination of a nearly six-year effort to rename the street, which stretches 30 blocks from South to North Philly.
The Legacy of Caroline LeCount
The new name, LeCount Street, pays tribute to Caroline LeCount, a 19th-century civil rights activist, transit desegregation advocate, and educator in Philadelphia. LeCount’s contributions to the city were immense, yet her legacy had been largely overlooked until recently. The street renaming serves as a powerful reminder of her impact and a celebration of her life’s work.
LeCount was known for her efforts to desegregate SEPTA transportation, her role as an educator and principal in Philadelphia, and her support for the Union during the American Civil War. Her legacy is now being recognized and honored in a way that future generations will not forget. ‘She really deserves to be a big name,’ Brown said, highlighting the importance of bringing LeCount’s story to light.
The Controversial Past of Taney Street
The original name, Taney Street, honored Roger B. Taney, a former U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice who authored the infamous Dred Scott v. Sanford decision. This decision ruled that Black people were not citizens and denied Dred Scott, a slave who had spent part of his life in non-slave territory, the right to sue for his freedom. The street was named after Taney a year after the decision was passed in 1858, a stark reminder of a dark chapter in American history.
Samaya Brown was shocked to discover the street’s name when she moved to Brewerytown in 2018. ‘I said, “You have got to be kidding me! This can’t be named after who I think it’s named after,”’ she recalled. This realization sparked a determination to change the street’s name and honor a more deserving figure.
The Journey to Renaming
The process of renaming Taney Street to LeCount Street was not without its challenges. Brown and other activists faced hurdles and had to navigate multiple administrations, each with different council members and mayors. ‘It took six years to get from the point where we made the initial ask of “how do we get this done,” to City Council, to the point where we actually got it signed into law,’ Brown explained.
One of the major obstacles was the lack of an official framework for changing a street’s name. Brown and her colleagues had to do extensive legwork, understanding the implications of the name change and gaining community support. They engaged in community outreach and paneling, ensuring that the process was inclusive and transparent.
The Rename Taney Coalition, which included several neighborhood associations and organizations, played a crucial role in the effort. Young Chances Foundation, an organization focused on providing positive experiences for Philadelphia youth, helped spearhead the initiative. Tyrique Glasgow, the organization’s executive director, emphasized the importance of collective thinking and long-term impact. ‘It came from us collectively thinking about not just today, but about tomorrow’s mission,’ he said.
The Impact and Future Influence
The renaming of Taney Street to LeCount Street has had a profound impact on the community and beyond. It has not only honored Caroline LeCount’s legacy but also set a precedent for future street name changes. Brown hopes that the framework established through this process will make it easier for others to advocate for similar changes. ‘If anybody else wants to get involved out there and change a street name, it’s not going to take them six years to get it done,’ she said.
The effort has also brought further visibility to LeCount’s legacy, including a gravestone for LeCount that the coalition raised money for and a coloring book focusing on her life and history. These initiatives aim to educate and inspire future generations, ensuring that LeCount’s story is not forgotten.
Glasgow highlighted the importance of visibility, especially in the current political climate. ‘There’s signs that have been coming down, but, for us to have something that will hopefully stand the test of time is very important,’ he said. The renaming serves as a lasting tribute to LeCount and a reminder of the city’s commitment to honoring its heroes.
Brown acknowledged the significance of holding cities and government officials accountable. ‘They wanted to honor Roger B. Taney,’ she said. ‘They wanted people to think that the things that he was doing were honorable, and they were not.’ The renaming of Taney Street to LeCount Street is a step towards rectifying past injustices and celebrating the contributions of those who have been overlooked.
