The move to change the name of East 9th Street to Robert “Bob” Hicks Street came one step closer to reality Wednesday when the Bogalusa Planning Commission unanimously agreed to recommend the change for city council for approval.

The recommendation came after four people, including two family members, spoke in favor of renaming the street in honor of the Civil Rights and community leader whose East 9th Street home was often a hub and headquarters for historically significant activity during the Civil Rights era.

Hicks’ daughter, Barbara Hicks Collins, said her father devoted his life to “equality for all, not only in Bogalusa but throughout the state.”

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“I think it is an honor that it was even proposed (to rename) the street after my father,” she said.

Willie Brown III called Hicks “a great influence on my life.”

Rose L. Duke Dexter, said she went to school “with Bob,” then moved away. Later, from New York, she saw her old classmate on television when “the world first heard of Bogalusa.”

Hicks’ son, Charles, said he believes the renaming is important for a number of reasons.

“First, because I love my Daddy,” he said. “Second, because of his contribution throughout the state of Louisiana and the country. He took cases to Supreme Court and won. Not a lot of cities have that.”

Hicks said when children see the street sign they will ask about Robert Hicks.

“He was a man who stood for things that needed to be done,” he said.

Hicks fought for inclusion, his son said.

“I think it’s important for Bogalusa to say, ‘Yes, we have had trouble. Yes, we were a stronghold for the Klu Klux Klan, but we’re making progress,’” Charles said. “One way we can show that is with this street. Both white and African Americans are in this movement. A community healing process is going on. This is an opportunity to show the world that Bogalusa has changed.”

No one spoke against changing the street name.

The city council will address the matter as a resolution during its next meeting Tuesday.

If the change is approved, there will be a renaming ceremony, including a unified community march and program, on Saturday, August 28, the anniversary of the Civil Rights march on Washington in 1963.