For example, in 2020, the AOS renamed a small prairie songbird found on the Great Plains to “Thick-billed Longspur.” The bird’s original name—honoring John P. McCown, an amateur naturalist who later became a general in the Confederate Army during the U.S. Civil War—was perceived as a painful link to slavery and racism.

I don't know how I feel about this though...

I believe if species being renamed were known and named by Indigenous peoples, that name is the proper name to use. These organisms were not discovered by western science any more than the continent was discovered by westerners. Not only would it be a small sign of respect but would help protect Indigenous language and culture.

Can't wait to periodically rename everything every ~70 years as societal standards change.

Finally. I think it’s fair to name a bird after you if you are its creator. Being the first person to document it doesn’t mean much to me and certainly doesn’t mean they can name a bird after themselves.

Edit: i guess the downvoters believe that a bird is not discovered until a white man sees it.