Failure to rename street for MLK called a sad sign

The Grand Rapids Press ^ | Wednesday, March 31, 2004 | Ed White and Jim Harger

[FourPeas]

The local news coverage of this last night was fascinating. A local judge, who supports the name change, was down-right insistent that those who opposed the name change were racist. The whole coverage was absolutely fascinating.

I'm also fascinated by the way the article ends:

"Dr. King wouldn't make a ruckus about it. He wasn't that type of person. He won the Nobel Peace Prize."

[breakem]

...........and Franklin is named after?

[gov_bean_ counter]

Most of the MLK streets with which I am familiar are in areas of towns that are noted for drug dealers and prostitution.

Hardly a tribute.

[cripplecreek]

I was born under a bad sign.

[MrsEmmaPeel]

...........and Franklin is named after?

My guess would be Ben

[glorgau]

It's a Chris Rock joke -

Go to any city in America with a street called Martin Luther King Drive - and run for your life!

See also Along Martin Luther King: Travels on Black America's Main Street

[RobRoy]

"In other cities, streets named for King are "usually associated with depressed areas," said Roxanne Wilda, 53, who has lived on Franklin in the Ottawa Hills neighborhood for 20 years and was concerned about her property value falling. "

It's most definitely true here in Seattle.

[Pikamax]

"...Chris Rock tells a joke that goes something like this: When a white friend told Chris Rock that he was on a street called Martin Luther King and asked what he should do, Chris Rock answered, "Run!" At another time and on a more serious note, Rock said: "I don't care where you live in America, if you're on Martin Luther King Boulevard, there's some violence going on."

[The Other Harry]

"It's very important when you see something that stands for you. It gives you self-esteem," said Burrell, 42, a youth leader who grew up on Franklin.

Perhaps some day this "youth leader" will figure out that self-esteem is not something which is given.

[FourtySeven]

Failure to rename street for MLK called a sad sign

Yeah...God knows, there aren't ENOUGH MLK bulovards, streets, sidewalks, driveways, stairsteps, cars, buildings, outhouses....

OH THE HUMANITY! WE'VE DENIED ONE NAME CHANGE! THE NATION IS ON A BACKSLIDE, WHICH WILL CULMINATE IN THE ELECTION OF DAVID DUKE THIS NOVEMBER! CUT DOWN ALL TREES NOW, BEFORE THE LYNCHINGS START!

[Kenton]

Most of the MLK streets with which I am familiar are in areas of towns that are noted for drug dealers and prostitution.

My, what an interesting coincidence... I wonder why that is?

[breakem]

If that's true, I can think of another reason not to change the name of this particular street.

[LandOfLincolnGOP]

Chicago's MLK Drive is in a terrible part of the South Side.

It's a long street. Parts of it are in terrible areas. Other parts of it are in newly booming areas. There's a lot of interesting things going on in that part of town.

[u-89]

>rejection would hurt morale, especially among young blacks.

> "It's very important when you see something that stands for you. It gives you self-esteem," said Burrell

I find the modern superficial concept of self esteem fascinating. I imagine people who live in towns like Downsville, Red Dirt, or Muddy Creek could do a lot better in life if they renamed their towns MLKville.

But if the people of Grand Rapids want to change the name that bad they should make a Federal issue out of it. They should claim their civil rights are being denied because of racism and they'll get their way. Hell, it's an election year, they should send a letter to the White House and demand action - they'll probably get it.

[netmilsmom]

MLK Blvd in Cleveland (Liberty Blvd in my Polish Grannie's day) is scary as well.
I worked with a girl in Cleveland who invited me to her baby shower. It was off MLK Blvd. Being a young stupid white chick, I couldn't understand why, when I asked for directions to the address, two ladies my age would not answer until I showed them the invitation. (I was laughed at later by the hostess for that) This girl's hubby ran out of the house and told me to park my car in the drive when I got there, then her mom escorted me back out. Her street was very nice but once I got back onto MLK, I was shocked at what I had missed by concentrating on the directions.

[truthingod]

The battle over the name change came out of consideration for those living on that street who would have great cost in changing their business stationary and other mail issues.
Grand Rapids already has an MLK park. Why a street name change? My guess the community needed one more thing to divide it. I agree with renaming the part of 131 going through Grand Rapids that name possibly. Last time it was over Rosa Parks circle and then it was whether or not Grand Rapids Public Schools should lower their acedemic grade point for sport participation to 2.0. They lost.

[truthingod]

Most folks in Grand Rapids do not support a name change.
It seems to be an issue for a power struggle which won't quit. I think these folks are upset that the Van Andel's and the Devos's have their names on the hospitals and arenas and the convention center, etc. If they want to honor people of color, then I nominate Bishop William Abney.
The name change should reflect someone from the community and their contribution to the community.

[bangor505]

MLK Blvd in Cleveland (Liberty Blvd in my Polish Grannie's day) is scary as well.

I hear you there! You definitely don't want a flat tire on that street.