A group of citizens is asking the Selma City Council to name the Riverfront Amphitheater after the city’s first African American mayor, James Perkins Jr.

Althelstein Johnson, who represents a group of citizens from all eight of Selma’s wards, made the request Thursday night at a council work session.

“We feel that the city of Selma historically and memorably should reflect this achievement of its citizens by having a visible reminder of this part of our city’s history,” Johnson said as she spoke to the council.

“Further, we solicit, rather we implore you to use your position of your power entrusted to you by voting citizens like us to help us continue telling the history of Selma through its coveted building.”

Johnson said Perkins deserves to have a building named after him because of the historical value of his election as mayor in 2000. Perkins defeated then Mayor Joe Smitherman, who was seeking his 10th term.

“The placing of James Perkins’ name on the amphitheater will allow history to reflect one of Selma’s native sons achieving a milestone in not only his accomplishments but in America’s advancement and its history of achieving equality for all citizens,” Johnson said.

Johnson said it would be fitting because other buildings in Selma are named after former mayors Smitherman and Carl C. Morgan and current mayor George Evans.

“These monuments, these architectural landmarks embody Selma’s history, and I think we can authentically, historically and memorably project and display the history of Selma,” Johnson said.

Councilman Michael Johnson, whose ward includes the amphitheater, seemed to welcome the idea.

“I hope and pray that we move forward with this as quick as possible, and I would love to have this in Ward 8,” Councilman Johnson said.

With Perkins planning to run for mayor, some council members asked Johnson about her timing and reasoning.

“I think that’s a good idea to name something after Mayor Perkins, but the timing is … a whole different thing,” said Councilwoman Susan Keith. “You have to think about Mr. Perkins’ feelings, and you would also have to think about the ramifications of how it would make Mayor Evans feel. I’m thinking about both of them.”

Johnson ensured council members that her reasoning was strictly for history, not political. Johnson said to her knowledge Perkins is not aware of the request.