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Renaming a Local Street is The Latest Success in This CNN Hero’s Mission to Empower His Community

August 8, 2025

Tyrique Glasgow, a reformed ex-drug dealer from South Philadelphia who was recognized as a CNN Hero in 2022, successfully led a five-year campaign to rename Taney Street to Caroline LeCount Street. The street, which had significant negative associations in Glasgow's past, was originally named after Supreme Court Justice Roger Taney who authored the infamous 1857 Dred Scott decision declaring Black Americans had no rights under the Constitution. Working with the Rename Taney Coalition, Glasgow helped build community support resulting in the December 2023 legislation making LeCount, a 19th-century civil rights activist, the first Black woman with a street named after her in Philadelphia.

Who is affected

  • Residents of the formerly named Taney Street in Philadelphia
  • The South Philadelphia community where Glasgow works
  • Local youth who participate in Glasgow's programs
  • The Black community in Philadelphia who now see representation in street naming
  • Glasgow himself and others working at the Young Chances Foundation
  • Victims of ongoing gun violence in the neighborhood

What action is being taken

  • Glasgow is running the Young Chances Foundation which provides hot meals, afterschool programs, and resources to those in need
  • Glasgow recently renovated his nonprofit's community center and created a junior broadcast center
  • Glasgow is currently holding free classes teaching teens how to use cameras, editing systems, and podcasting equipment
  • The foundation continues to provide community support even in the wake of recent gun violence

Why it matters

  • The street renaming removes a tribute to Roger Taney, who declared Black Americans had no rights under the Constitution
  • Caroline LeCount becomes the first Black woman to have a street named after her in Philadelphia
  • The successful community organizing demonstrates that positive change is possible through collective action
  • The broadcast center empowers local youth to tell their own stories and showcase positive neighborhood news
  • Glasgow's transformation from criminal to community leader serves as an inspiration and model of redemption

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint