A Local Issue That Could Arise in Any Neighborhood

If there is a less accurate way to measure the worth of an individual, than basing that judgment on the color of one’s skin, I am not aware of it.  Individuals who harbor prejudice, based on the color of an individual’s skin, are simply unthinking fools.

With this thought in mind, I invite you to read an article that was published in the Grand Rapids Press on Thursday, January 22nd.  The article is entitled “Bid to rename Franklin for MLK is renewed." Now why has this “bid to rename Franklin” been renewed?  Here’s what the second paragraph of the article states.

"Although city commissioners shied away from the idea 18 months ago, a couple of new faces on the commission may give the effort renewed momentum."

So, “new faces,” which basically means recently elected city officials, want to rename a street, which has been known as Franklin St since 1912, to honor MLK.  According to the article, the street was renamed Franklin St in 1912 so a city commissioner could present the street name as a “baptismal gift” for his godson, Franklin B. Morrison.  How sweet, warm hugs all around.

Consider that reasoning, for a moment, if you will.  A city commissioner renamed a street in 1912 as a baptismal gift for his godson for Pete’s sake.  There is no rational reason for that 1912 name change other than garnering the city commissioner warm fuzzies.  What a nice guy, he renamed a street for his godson.  I wonder if the folks alive in 1912 received as much benefit as I am receiving from that name change currently, which is none.  I submit that this “renewed” bid to rename Franklin St falls into exactly the same category.  But, with the additional benefit, to the “new faces,” of an official feel good act to garner the “new faces” warm fuzzies and a false legitmacy to their supposed service to the city and the public which “elected” them.

As I thought about this today, I wondered how many streets are actually named after MLK.  Well, according to this article, there are over 650 streets named after MLK.  The article also has this to say.

"Dr. King would have been opposed to just naming a street running through the heart of the black community for him,” said the Rev. Aaron Johnson, a former Fayetteville City Council member who marched with King before King’s death on April 4, 1968 ..."

Besides the streets named after MLK, I wonder how many parks, buildings and what not are named after the man?  Hundred’s?  I do not know.

I invite you to read a letter, by clicking on “More to read,” written by an individual who lives in the area which would be effected by this feel good foolishness.  Addressed to the city commissioners, the mayor and the city manager of Grand Rapids, Michigan, it deals more in factual thinking than feelings and suppositions.

Posted by on 01/24 at 11:37 AM

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