News Summary
A proposal to rename Umatilla Street in honor of Amillier Penn, a 15-year-old shot while playing football, has ignited a public debate in Grand Rapids. During a city commission hearing, residents expressed mixed feelings, with some opposing the idea of renaming streets after gun violence victims. Corey Penn, Amillier’s father, advocates for the change to highlight the need for community action against gun violence. A decision is expected soon as the city considers the implications of such memorials for its residents.
Grand Rapids – A proposal to rename Umatilla Street in honor of Amillier Penn, a 15-year-old fatally shot while playing football with friends, has sparked controversy during a public hearing held by the Grand Rapids City Commission on June 10, 2025. The tragic incident occurred on June 2, 2024, and the proposal was presented by Penn’s father, Corey Penn, in an effort to immortalize his son’s memory.
During the hearing, five residents expressed their opposition to renaming Umatilla Street, with several raising concerns regarding the appropriateness of naming streets after victims of gun violence, especially since Amillier did not live on Umatilla Street. Resident Lea Jackson, who has been a long-time resident of the area, cautioned that adopting a practice of renaming streets for every victim could lead to complications in the future. Instead, she recommended creating a commemorative plaque at the site where the young boy lost his life.
Corey Penn advocated for the new street name as a way to highlight the urgent need to address gun violence in the community. He emphasized that the renaming would serve as a constant reminder of adults’ responsibilities to protect children.
The city commission is expected to make a decision regarding the renaming proposal by July 17, 2025. Following the public hearing, the proposal will be reviewed by the community development committee before being voted on by the city commission.
Umatilla Street, which is situated north of Hall Street and a few blocks away from Division Avenue, has become a focal point of discussion in the wake of Penn’s death. The shooting incident was notably featured in a docuseries about the Grand Rapids Police Department that aired on April 8, 2025. At the time the documentary was released, the prime suspect, Cartiyae Pascal, had yet to be charged in connection with the shooting. However, as of May 2025, Pascal was charged with open murder after being identified as the shooter in the case. Witness testimony suggested that Pascal confessed to the crime, and previous altercations between the two teenagers were corroborated by recorded evidence.
Residents in the area voiced their concerns regarding the presence of a memorial for Amillier Penn and the potential risk of renewed violence during gatherings that coincide with the anniversary of the tragedy. This concern underscores the broader community’s desire to find healing while also seeking justice for the young victim.
The Grand Rapids community, alongside the police department, has expressed a commitment to not only seeking justice for Amillier Penn but also taking proactive measures to prevent further incidents of gun violence. As discussions regarding the street renaming continue, the sentiment within the community remains divided, reflecting the complexities of honoring victims while addressing ongoing safety concerns.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Community Hearing for Street Naming in Honor of Amillier Penn
Additional Resources
- WZZM 13: Umatilla Street Renaming Proposal
- Fox 17: Suspect Charged in Shooting Death of Amillier Penn
- Wood TV: Hearing on Renaming Street for Amillier Penn
- Fox 17: Local Residents Oppose Street Renaming
- MLive: Grand Rapids Neighbors Divided on Street Renaming
- Wikipedia: Gun Violence
- Google Search: Street Renaming
- Google Scholar: Gun Violence Solutions
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun Violence
- Google News: Grand Rapids
Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
