The stretch of road where 28-year-old Sandra Bland was stopped for allegedly failing to signal while switching lanes, has now been named after her, according to reports.
READ: Sandra Bland’s Family To Press Federal Charges Against Arresting Trooper
On Wednesday (August 26) Prairie View City Council members voted to rename University Drive to Sandra Bland Parkway. Council members hope renaming the street will act as a reminder to never forget Bland and for law enforcement to be mindful of their practices.
On July 10, Texas State Trooper Brian Encinia stopped Bland for a minor traffic violation, which led to a confrontation between the two and resulted with Encinia arresting Bland for assaulting a public servant. Bland, who just moved to Texas from Illinois, was found hanging in her cell three days later. Her death was ruled a suicide.
Bland’s name will now be seen from the entrance of Prairie View A&M University to U.S. 290 Business. A park will also be dedicated to her not far from the university.
READ: Prosecutors Release Video To Refute Claims Sandra Bland Was Dead In Her Mugshot Photo
“I am overwhelmed, and I am just truly thankful to the city of Prairie View,” Bland’s mother, Geneva Reed-Veal, said in a press conference.
Earlier this month, Bland’s surviving family members filed a wrongful death lawsuit in hopes to hold those who interacted with her prior to her death accountable, and are also asking for the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate.
The road will bear Bland’s name for the next three to five years until council members vote on the matter again.