During a time where statues across the country are being removed because of racist connections, community members in the Bronx are demanding the city’s Parks Department rename Mullaly Park. 

Community members claim the namesake has a racist history. They say John Mullaly was an agitator of the draft riots during the Civil War. 

The Parks Department website describes him as a tireless proponent of green space and the father of Bronx parks. 

A rally was held Thursday and those who attended say he was a known Copperhead who advocated against New York joining the Civil War.

“If you are a concerned citizen, if you are someone who is living here in this Bronx, and you play in this park and you have good times in this park, but then you research the name and what it means, would you want to come here? Would you be proud to come here?” asked community leader Sandra Mitchell. 

In a statement, the Parks Department tells News 12, “We are in introspective times, and appreciate how our parks are named impact Black communities, and the communities in which they sit at the center. We will review the request and supportive research in consideration.”