Atlanta school named after Klan leader to be renamed for Hank Aaron

• The school was originally named after Klan leader and Confederate Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest.
• In order to make possible the change of name to honor the Atlanta Braves star, who died in January at age 86, the vote waived a school district policy of waiting five years after a person has died to name a school building after them.

What they're saying: Board chair Jason Esteves noted during an online meeting ahead of the vote that "names do matter."

• Board member Michelle Olympiadis added, "It's very important that we understand our history, it's very important that we understand where we are coming from ... it gives a lot of credence to our character and our morals."

For the record: Aaron endured racism throughout his Major League Baseball career, which began with the Milwaukee Braves in 1954.

• Among barriers he faced at the start of his career was the barring of Black players from Florida hotels where white teammates stayed for spring training.
• "He pressed management for change, with no immediate success," the New York Times notes.
• Aaron's record 755 home runs stood for 33 years.

The big picture: The renaming of the school is part of a wider push against slavery and Confederate symbols across the U.S., with dozens removed, relocated or renamed last year after anti-racism protests erupted over George Floyd's death.