Archie Williams a fantastic new name for high school

2020 was a chaotic year. Between learning the value of personal space, worldwide outcry against racism and police brutality, as well as an election that made people question whether or not they were living in a satirical alternate dimension, I thought I wouldn’t be surprised by anything anymore.

However, I can admit that I was blindsided when I heard that officials at Sir Francis Drake High School in San Anselmo wanted to consider a change because of the 16th-century explorer’s legacy tying him to slavery and colonialism. Changing the name should have been a smooth transition. But, as we learn every time we hear debates about taking down Confederate statues, our country has a problem with taking obvious actions to condemn our complicated history.

I believe most people were receptive to the school’s decision, but some felt that renaming the school would be bad. In my opinion, none of the reasons to keep the name ever held water. I don’t understand what Drake supporters were afraid of, but it was impressive to see the protests. Unfortunately for them, their valiant efforts were quickly swatted away.

I want to say that I find the new name of Archie Williams High School to be fantastic. It has great history behind it and I like how it spreads the message that inspired the change to begin with.

Williams is a fascinating person. I still can’t believe he was at the Olympics with Jesse Owens. He was also a meteorologist, which is an intriguing part of his career. Of course, he has a history as a beloved teacher with the school that is now named after him.

Overall, this experience is an important milestone in the history of my own high school. I’d much rather be named after an Olympian and Air Force pilot than a pirate.

— Chance Addis, Fairfax