Tulsa's Brady Arts District Adopts New Name

The Brady Arts District Business Association announced it's renaming itself as the Tulsa Arts District Business Association.

The Brady Arts District will also adopt the name change to Tulsa Arts District.

The association voted for the change Friday.

9/13/2017 Related Story: New Names For Tulsa's Brady Arts District Considere

The Guthrie Green is a hub for art and music festivals.

That's one of the reasons people downtown were celebrating the business association's name change.

"Tulsa Arts District, I think that makes the most sense," said Zachary England.

The district was previously named after Tate Brady, who was a member of the Ku Klux Klan.

The business association made moves to rename the district after it voted in August to select a name that reflects the inclusive and diverse spirit of the district.

It's an idea that the people we talked to are on board with.

"I love it, I think it's great. It doesn't leave anything out," said Kandyce Shrum.

"I understand it, and I agree with it. They're tearing down confederate statues across America. I understand wanting to break ties with the KKK, obviously," said Alex Groffolo.

Regardless, Groffolo said the original name will always hold meaning for him.

"I'll personally remember it as the Brady, because that's how I grew up with it," he said.

The association has more than 65 members.

“After vetting many names from both the association members and the public, we are proud that the association has voted to select a new name,” said Bob Fleischman, president of the association, in a news release. “The district’s tenants and Tulsans have cultivated a diverse, culturally robust area, and we’re thrilled to have a name that encourages that momentum and energy.”

The vote took place at an association meeting on Friday, Sept. 22.

Before the scheduled vote, a motion was approved to open the floor to additional submissions, and the association was added to the final ballot.

The name passed with strong support from businesses operating in the district, according to the news release.

“The new name, Tulsa Arts District Business Association, represents an exciting venture for the association,” said Heather Wimberly, vice president of operations at Guthrie Green, in the news release. “We are proud to share a name with the city that’s supported us over the years as we continue to execute diverse programming opportunities for the entire community to enjoy.”

A poll on the News On 6 Facebook page shows many people aren't happy with the new name.

Of the people that voted, 85 percent were against the name change.

Members of the association are working on a new logo, which they hope will be presented to the public in early November