The memory of Philando Castile will soon be honored with a street sign. The City of Falcon Heights is slated to implement an honorary name change to the section of Larpenteur Avenue where Philando Castile was killed by a St. Anthony police officer just five years ago.
Signs marking Philando Castile Memorial Avenue will be placed among the existing signs at the intersection of Larpenteur Avenue and Fry Street in Philando’s memory.
This honorary name change came as a result of a community petition that gained over 20,400
signatures in support of Philando Castile Memorial Avenue. Results from an online survey
performed by the Falcon Heights City Council and distributed to both residents and non-
residents showed community support of the initiative.
Philando’s mother Valerie Castile notes, “The community has worked so hard over the past
five years to get a street sign and I am so happy it is finally happening along with a lot of other
blessings this year. I have prayed so hard to preserve my son’s name and good work.”
Trista MatasCastillo, Ramsey County commissioner, District 3, took up the cause to memorialize
the street and continue the legacy of similar incidents throughout the county and metro.
The sign unveiling event will take place at 5 pm on Wednesday, June 9 with the first sign
being installed at the garden entry located on Larpenteur Avenue and Fry Street. Mayor of
Falcon Heights Randy Gustafson will speak on behalf of the city.
City Council Member Melanie Leehy will also be speaking at the event, who has been quoted saying, “The Philando Castile Peace Garden is a place where life changed, and a community changed.”
Information courtesy of the Philando Castile Peace Garden. For more info, go to philandocastile-peacegarden.org.
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