Martin Luther King Recognition Task Force

Martin Luther King Recognition Task Force June 2, 2017 Minutes Members present: Councilor Ali, Matt Suslovic, Regina Phillips, Dawud Ummah, Daniel Minter Members absent: Herb Adams, Merita McKenzie, Danielle Conway, Blanco Santiago Staff present: Troy Moon Welcome and introductions: All members and staff present introduced themselves and described their backgrounds. Review mission of task force Councilor Ali indicated that the group was established at the request of the Sustainability and Transportation Committee after community feedback regarding the proposal to rename Franklin St. after Dr. King. The group’s mission is to look for worthy sites to name after Dr. King. The group may also recommend African American residents of Portland with historic contributions for recognition. Regina asked what resources we might have to work with. Councilor Ali mentioned that Herb Adams has developed a list of candidate streets. Dawud suggested looking at soon to be developed areas – maybe a MLK Center, sometimes a street or boulevard may not have the impact – need something that will address issues Dr. King was struggling for. Councilor Ali indicated that he would be willing to look at anything but recommends being realistic about what is possible today. Regina – There was an opportunity in Bayside – perhaps the trail or along the trail -- maybe a statue and quite space for benches. Councior Ali – maybe Bayside Trail could be MLK Trail – perhaps add statues and benches? Regina – maybe plaques and benches Daniel – there was a plan to develop the trail with artistic benches. Ran into some issues and kind of fizzled. Perhaps some plans to make the trail a more developed park area. Troy – offered to ask Planning Department for any records on the Bayside Trail development Matt – If we look at Bayside Trail maybe there is a connection with Cultivating Community? Maybe look at schools? Maybe rename Hall School the Talbot Elementary School? We could look at affordable public art – maybe look for a connection at PATHS? It would be good to have young people involved. Matt asked whether there is a procedure for recognizing other prominent African Americans? Councilor Ali indicated that we should consider ideas. He will suggest Mr. Talbot and James Shepherd (Tuskegee Airman) as candidates. Future meetings The group discussed a schedule of meetings for the summer. They decided to schedule meetings through August but hope to complete work before that if possible. All agree on June 26th, July 10, July 24, Aug 14, Aug. 28. The goal will be to keep meetings to one hour. The next meeting will look at recommendations from the previous Martin Luther King working group and look at any maps or information the Planning Department may have about development of the Bayside Trail. Meeting adjourned at 5 PM.