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Yawkey Way change OK'd due to racist past

Related Topics: Yawkey Way, Racism, Fenway Park, Boston

BOSTON -- Boston has approved a plan to change the name of Yawkey Way, the street outside Fenway Park named in honor of a former Red Sox owner some have said was racist.

The city's Public Improvement Commission on Thursday unanimously approved a proposal by current Red Sox ownership to call the stretch of roadway Jersey Street. That's what the street was called before it was changed in 1977 to honor Tom Yawkey a year after he died.

The team filed a petition with the commission in February to change the name as part of a mission to "reinforce that Fenway Park is inclusive and welcoming to all.