New York City and New York State are both named after a notorious 17th century slaveowner, the Duke of York (1633-1701).

The solution to the problem is self-evident: rename the city, rename the state, and do it fast.

If the two locations are still to be named after a person then let's make sure we choose someone who wasn't a mass murderer or slaveowner. It's really that simple!

The facts are indisputable. The Duke of York was a leading figure in the Royal African Company, the group of slavers that the Stuart family created when they re-established the monarchy in London. This company transported tens of thousands of slaves from Africa to America. The Duke personally owned many thousands, whom he ensured were branded with the letters "DY" for "Duke of York". When New Amsterdam was taken by British forces from the Dutch in 1664, this was the man, brother of King Charles II, that the British leaders chose to name it after. Later on he became king himself, after which he continued to own slaves and continued to have them branded "DY", perhaps for "tradition's" sake. His descendant sits on the British throne even today. This is where the "Y" in "NY" comes from.

NYC is a world city. It could even be said to be the archetypal world city. We therefore propose a GLOBAL VOTE on what to call both the city and the state.

We hereby call on the Mayor of New York City, Bill de Blasio, and the Governor of New York State, to heed our call.