MINNEAPOLIS — In the wake of deadly shootings in Charleston, South Carolina, some activists are trying to change the name of Lake Calhoun in Minneapolis.

The lake is named after John Caldwell Calhoun, a South Carolina statesman and former vice president. Calhoun was a proponent of slavery.

According to a press release, more than 1,000 people have signed a petition asking the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board to rename the lake, saying it would be an important step in ending systemic racism.

The board tried to rename the lake as recently as 2011, but didn’t have legal authority to do it.

Park board commissioner Brad Bourn said he’ll continue to push the issue. He said to some, having the lake named after Calhoun is like flying the Confederate flag in Minneapolis.