Arlington officials have shared five finalists for its new logo and are asking the residents to pick a new insignia for the county. The current logo, for many, is a symbol that represents slavery along with being \u201cdivisive and racist.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Founded in 1876, Arlington was named after General Robert E Lee\u2019s residence, Arlington House. Arlington mainly grew as a cotton-ginning center and by 1910 it could boast of electricity, public school, water and telephone services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Arlington County Board, last year, decided to replace the logo and the seal which features the Arlington House and the Robert E. Lee Memorial. An Arlington official said, \u201cThe Arlington House symbol represents one of the darkest chapters in our nation\u2019s history: slavery.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Overlooking the Potomac River, Arlington House was built by enslaved workers and later owned by the General. An enslaver, General Lee led the Confederate Army during the Civil War. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Officials said that a panel had selected five logos earlier this week and the residents of Arlington were asked to select their favorite two. The deadline for which was May 26.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The voting results will be reviewed by the panel before finally making its recommendation to the board in June.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The name \u201cArlington County\u201d is not likely to change anytime soon despite the logo being updated in the near future. Local NAACP President Julius \u201cJD\u201d Spain, Sr. said, \u201cI believe changing the name of a county is a pretty heavy lift.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhile removing Arlington\u2019s current symbology does not erase history, developing a new logo helps build a more inclusive and equitable County \u2013 with a visual identity that accurately reflects our community\u2019s values and aspirations,\u201d the county said on its website. \u201cWe are writing a brighter chapter in Arlington\u2019s story, one that aligns with the County\u2019s important focus on racial equity.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The official Arlington Twitter handle said, \u201cVoting is now open for Arlington County\u2019s new logo! A panel of community members has narrowed more than 250 submissions to five options \u2013 and now it\u2019s your turn to choose!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Voting is now open for Arlington County's new logo! A panel of community members has narrowed more than 250 submissions to five options–and now it's your turn to choose! Learn more: https:\/\/t.co\/kjHaL0fHfN<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/q5IqhxarZ8<\/a><\/p>— Arlington County (@ArlingtonVA) April 26, 2021<\/a><\/blockquote>