Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

Failure to rename street for MLK called a sad sign
The Grand Rapids Press ^ | Wednesday, March 31, 2004 | Ed White and Jim Harger

Posted on 04/01/2004 11:43:14 AM PST by FourPeas

click here to read article


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first 1-2021-4041-51 next last
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."

1 posted on 04/01/2004 11:43:15 AM PST by FourPeas
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | View Replies]

To: FourPeas
...........and Franklin is named after?
2 posted on 04/01/2004 11:45:45 AM PST by breakem
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: FourPeas
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.

3 posted on 04/01/2004 11:46:34 AM PST by gov_bean_ counter
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: FourPeas
I was born under a bad sign.
4 posted on 04/01/2004 11:49:44 AM PST by cripplecreek (you tell em i'm commin.... and hells commin with me.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: breakem
...........and Franklin is named after?

My guess would be Ben

5 posted on 04/01/2004 11:53:10 AM PST by MrsEmmaPeel
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies]

To: gov_bean_ counter
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

6 posted on 04/01/2004 11:53:10 AM PST by glorgau
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 3 | View Replies]

To: FourPeas
"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.
7 posted on 04/01/2004 11:53:22 AM PST by RobRoy (Science is about "how." Christianity is about "why.")
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: cripplecreek
"...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."
8 posted on 04/01/2004 11:53:35 AM PST by Pikamax
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 4 | View Replies]

To: FourPeas
"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.

9 posted on 04/01/2004 11:54:19 AM PST by The Other Harry
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: FourPeas
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!

10 posted on 04/01/2004 11:55:33 AM PST by FourtySeven (47)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

Comment #11 Removed by Moderator

To: 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.

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

12 posted on 04/01/2004 12:01:05 PM PST by Kenton ("Life is tough, and it's really tough when you're stupid" - Damon Runyon)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 3 | View Replies]

To: MrsEmmaPeel
If that's true, I can think of another reason not to change the name of this particular street.
13 posted on 04/01/2004 12:01:16 PM PST by breakem
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 5 | View Replies]

To: Saw Passion 3 Times
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.

14 posted on 04/01/2004 12:02:39 PM PST by LandOfLincolnGOP
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 11 | View Replies]

To: FourPeas
>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.

15 posted on 04/01/2004 12:07:36 PM PST by u-89
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Saw Passion 3 Times
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.
16 posted on 04/01/2004 12:10:09 PM PST by netmilsmom (Busybody of Free Republic)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 11 | View Replies]

To: FourPeas
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.
17 posted on 04/01/2004 12:10:47 PM PST by truthingod
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

Comment #18 Removed by Moderator

To: u-89
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.
19 posted on 04/01/2004 12:31:41 PM PST by truthingod
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 15 | View Replies]

To: netmilsmom
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.

20 posted on 04/01/2004 12:34:31 PM PST by bangor505 (" Victory?....We're FRENCH, we don't even have a word for victory." -Simpsons)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 16 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first 1-2021-4041-51 next last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson