Assemblymember Arambula Recognizes Central Unified Student Malachi Suarez for Leading Effort to Rename School

Assemblymember Dr. Joaquin Arambula recognized Malachi Suarez, who’s 12, during the Assembly session on Aug. 17, 2023. They are seen here with Malachi’s family. Malachi as a fourth-grader began his successfully effort to rename his Central Unified School District campus after he learned that the namesake, President James K. Polk, was a slave owner and a vocal supporter of Manifest Destiny.

Assemblymember Dr. Joaquin Arambula and honoree Malachi Suarez are seen with Malachi’s family in the Assembly chambers on Aug. 17, 2023, after Assemblymember Arambula recognized Malachi during the Assembly session.

Assemblymember Dr. Joaquin Arambula talks to Malachi Suarez, who’s 12 and a student in the Central Unified School District, after recognizing him during the Aug. 17, 2023 Assembly session for his efforts as a youngster to rename his school.

Assemblymember Dr. Joaquin Arambula addresses the Assembly to recognize Malachi Suarez on Aug. 17, 2023. Malachi, 12, was a fourth-grader when he began his successful effort to rename his Central Unified School District campus after he learned that the namesake, President James K. Polk, was a slave owner and a vocal supporter of Manifest Destiny.

Assemblymember Dr. Joaquin Arambula and his honoree Malachi Suarez, a Central Unified School District student, are seen on a portico at the State Capitol on Aug. 17, 2023.

Malachi Suarez, a Central Unified School District student who undertook a successful effort to rename a school in the district, is seen in the gallery of the Assembly chambers at the State Capitol on Aug. 17, 2023.

Assemblymember Dr. Joaquin Arambula and Malachi Suarez are seen below a display devoted to civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the State Capitol.