CC Minutes - 05/27/03 Mtg - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

who urged him to make a positive difference in any community in which he lived. He noted that change, in any form, could be difficult but noted that reconciliation always came after change. He urged the council to show bravery and courage by moving forward with the renaming. Scott Bartlett, 1445 East 21st Avenue, said Dr. King gave voice to that which is valued most in the country. He said it was not too much to ask to rename a street in honor of an American hero. He said no one on Centennial would be negatively impacted by the name change. He urged the council to do the right thing. Kenneth Moore, 1575 Fairmount Boulevard, stated that the debate over what it means to be an American is never over and could never be over. He spoke of the marches that occurred in Birmingham, Alabama 40 years ago and the shame he felt at the time over the actions of the Birmingham authorities and his admiration for the courage of Dr. King and those with him. He said that their actions captured the attention of the country and shamed those watching. Mr. Moore said that the country had come far since that time. It was easy to forget how savage the times had been because they were so long ago. He suggested that was even more reason to affirm the community's support for the work done by Dr. King while recognizing the work still to be done. Matthew Hasek thanked the council for the opportunity to speak on the issue. He questioned the reason why the discussion of the renaming was being had in 2003 when the decision seemed such an easy one to make. Misa Joo, 2327 Jefferson Street, spoke in support of the renaming of Centennial Boulevard after Dr. King. She said renaming Centennial Boulevard would be the right thing to do. She urged the council to act for the sake of the children and name for the community's vision of the future. Marion Malcolm, 110 Mayfair Lane, spoke on behalf of Community and Laity Concerned (CALC). She thanked the NAACP for bringing forward the proposal for renaming Centennial Boulevard. She urged that markers or signs with quotes from Dr. King be placed along the boulevard so citizens could read his message. Yung Soona Geil-Walker, 116 Bauer Lane, spoke in support of moving forward with renaming Centennial Boulevard after Dr. King. Jill Sager, 2945 Friendly Street, raised concern over the level of discussion over something that seemed like a "no brainer." She urged the council to take action to rename Centennial Boulevard after Dr. King. Robin Irish, 2599 Emerald Street, said changes in business letterhead should not be a consideration in deciding to rename Centennial Boulevard after Dr. King. She said it was time for a visual symbol that reflected Eugene's commitment to diversity. Misha Seymour, 1313 Lincoln Street, commented that the history of Oregon was quite racist. He urged the council to help bring healing to the community by renaming Centennial Boulevard after Dr. King. David Sonnichson, 2435 Skyline Boulevard, spoke in support of the renaming of Centennial Boulevard in honor of Dr. King and urged action that evening. MINUTES--Eugene City Council May 27, 2003 Page 6 Regular Meeting