Martin Luther King Recognition Task Force

1. Agenda 6/9/2017 Documents: AGENDA JUNE 9 2017.PDF 2. Martin Luther King, Jr. Report And Recommendations (2008) Documents: MLKTASKFORCEREPORT 2008.PDF  City of Portland Martin Luther King Recognition Task Force June 9, 2017 4:00 PM Room 209 AGENDA 1. Welcome and introductions 2. Review Martin Luther King, Jr. Task Force Report and Recommendations (2008) 3. Review map and information about Bayside Trail 4. Discuss agenda for next meeting 5. Adjourn MartinLutherKingJr.TaskForce Report& Recommendations tothe Portland CitvCouncil "When we let freedom ring, when we let it ring from every tenement and every hamlet, from every sfafe and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children,black men and white men, Jeurs and Gentiles, Protestantsand Catholics.will be able to join hands and sing in the wordsof the old spiritual, 'Freeat last,freeat last.Thank God Almighty, we are free at last." - Dr. MartinLutherKng, Jr. December 2008  Martin Luther King Jr.TaskForce Members Councilor Daniel andRachel Skolnik Talbot Ross, Co-Chairs JanBeitzer Portland Downtown District SteveBromage Maine HistoricalSociety RabbiCarolynBraun Temple Beth-El BishopSteveColemanWilliams TempleChurch ofGodinChrist DennisCrowley Great Portland Landmarks Richard D'Abate Maine Historical Society SusannahFord NAACP Portland Branch Donna Gaspar University ofNewEngland SusanHopkins Portland SchoolCommittee Rev.KenLewis Green MemorialAME ZionChurch ReginaMartin Portland Chamber ofCommerce WellsStayley Mays NAACP Portland Branch William Nelligan Portland YouthAdvisoryCommittee JamieParker FriendsoftheParksCommission Abraham Peck University ofSouthern MaineAcademic Council forPostHolocaust Jewish,Christian andlslamic Sludies ReginaPhillips NAACP Portland Branch JonathanReitman InterfaithMaine JoshuaTingley PortlandSchool Committee Dawud Ummah University ofSouthern MaineMuslim Chaplin SandyWright League ofYoungVoters Staff: RachelTalbotRoss,Director, EqualOpportunity & Multicultural Affairs PatFinnigan, AsstCityManager AlexJaegerman, PlanningDivision Director Judith Rosen.Administrative Asst  Martin Luther KingJr.TaskForce Report tothePortland CityCouncil December2008 TableofContents t . lntroduction il. Members I I I .Scopeof Work 1 A. Mission 2 B. SiteSelectionProcess 2 C. Beyonda PlaceName 4 IV. Recommendations 5 V. Conclusion 6 vt. Appendix A. CouncilOrder B. TaskForceMembers C. PlaceNameGuidelines D. MissionStatement E. MeetingMinutes *******************  Martin Luther KingJr.TaskForce "Whatever your life's work is, do it well. A man should do his job so well that the living, the dead, and the unborn could do it no better." Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Introduction On April 7, 2008,40 yearsand threedays after his assassination, the PortlandCity Council passed Order193-07-08, introducedby CouncilorDanielSkolnik,to establish the Dr. MartinLutherKing,Jr. Task Force. The purposeof the Task Forcewas to identifyand evaluatepublicsitesin Portlandandthe GreaterPortlandareawhichwould be appropriate to nameafterDr. King,and makerecommendations to the CityCouncil regarding the selectedsite.(AppendixA) ln his statementexplainingthe purposeof the Order,Councilor Skolniknotedthat more than600 U.S.citiesin 39 stateshavehonoredDr.Kingwitha permanent memorial: "Dr. King'smessagewas so powerfulin his time becauseit wentto the heartof America's biggestproblems:racism,povertyandwar. I thinkwe can agreethat his messagestill resonatestoday." CouncilorSkolnikcontinued: "lt is fittingthat we createa daily reminderin our largestCityof the hopefor truecommunity thatDr. Kinggavevoiceto." Members The CouncilOrderestablishingthe Task Forceincludeda broadspectrumof people and organizationswhich should be representedon the Task Force including representatives of the PortlandCityCouncil,NAACPPortlandBranch,PortlandSchool Committee,GreaterPortlandLandmarks, PortlandYouthAdvisoryCommittee, Portland Downtown District, the FaithCommunity, (Appendix andthe University. B) On May 19,the CityCouncilappointeda 20 memberTaskForcewhichwas co-chaired by CouncilorDan Skolnikand RachelTalbotRoss,Directorof EqualOpportunity & Multicultural Affairs. The committeemet 8 times. In addition,subcommitteesand membersheldadditional groupsand othersin the courseof meetingswith stakeholder doingtheirwork. Scope of Work In orderto accomplishitstasks,the membersresearched the processes usedby other communities to namesites generally, as wellas the approachcommunities haveused to creatememorials or otherpublicdisplayswhich commemorate theworkof Dr.King.Specialnotewas "Take the first step in givento the NationalMLKJr. Memorial faith. You don't have to (www.mlkmemorial.org), andthe MartinLutherKingand see the whole staircase, CorettaScottKingmemorialthatwas dedicatedat the just take the first step." Universityof Mainein Oronoin October2008. (seeAppendixC for additionalinformation) Mission. The TaskForceagreedthat it was essentialto beginits workby establishing a MissionStatement.The MissionStatement wouldhelpguideitsworkand helpanswer peoplewho now or in the futuremightask why we are honoringDr. King. provide background to the memberof the publicregarding this project.The MissionStatement states: Martin Luther KingJr.TaskForce MissionStatement Tohonorandcelebratethelifeof Dr,MartinLutherKingJr.,theCityof Portland and itsresidentsproclaim theirappreciationfora greatmanwhose lifehasmadeour andnation city,state, a betterplacetolive, Communitiesin everycornerof theworldincluding over700in theUnitedStates havehonored Martin LutherKingJr.,because hewasa great civilrights leader, a greatreligious leader,anda great Americanleader.Hislife's workreminds usto pursue foreachindividual, dignity social andeconomic equality,andjustice for American. every These values knownoboundaries.Theyserve asa compass toguide ourcitydaily ona pathaway fromdiscrimination, povefiandinjustice; racism, Theysteerustowards justice, andfreedom equality forallpeople wholive,work, visitorcallPortland home, Thiscommemoration connectsDr.MarlinLutherKing's andlegacy beliefs to the dailylifeofourcity.Hismessages peace ofinternational andfundamental fairness areoneswewantoconvey toourchildren.Inhonoring Dr.KingwemovePortland hisdreamofa morejustandhumane closerto realizing worldbymakingit ourown, Site SelectionProcess. The TaskForcespentmostof its timedeveloping agreement on the criteriathattheyandthe Cityshoulduseto selecta siteto name afterDr. King. To assist them, the Task Force reviewedthe process used by several other communities to namesitesor establish memorials (seeAppendixC). Someof the criteriadiscussedby the TaskForceincluded: . Siteshouldbe highlyvisible ' Shouldbe a placeof celebration andjoy to inspirepeopleto continuethe momentum . A placeof distinctionthatinstillsrespect(nota streetor highway) . Accessibility - openarea,trees,waterfront, etc . Reasonable cost . Visibleto visitorsandcitizens . Usefulness - morethana plaque . A contemplative place . Acceptable to broadcommunity . Developed througha community process . Shouldbe multi-pronged - notjustonecommemorative  . Couldhavesmalland largeventures- short& longterm . Educational - youngergeneration isn'tas awareof MLK . Includea weeklongevenUcelebration . Shouldincludehistorical component . Partof the annualMLKsymposium . Couldbe includedas partof a newcommunity (schooletc) development TheTaskForceestablished threeprimaryprinciples to useto identifypotentialplacesto nameafterDr.King. The principles werethatwereagreeduponwerethatthe siteor memorialneededto: . Be visibleandcentral,to serveas a dailyreminderof Dr. King'slifeandvalues . Be inspirational, in itsdesignandas a spacefor reflection . Be enduring,to standthe testof timeand be a lastingtributeto Dr.King.lt shouldnot be a placethatwillbe abandoned or fall intodisrepair TheTaskForceconsidered a rangeof locations whichcouldbe namedafterDr. Kingor whichcouldbe sitesof a memorial.Amongthe locations considered were: . The easternwaterfront . EasternPromenade . OceanGateway . BaysideTrail 'I havea dream . PaysonPark thatmyfourlittlechildren will . TomffiV'sor PostOfficePark one dayliveina nation where theywillnotbe . LincolnPark judgedby thecoloroftheir skin, butbythe contentoftheir " character. . The Jetport . A school,suchas the newOceanAve elementary school . The PublicLibrary . FranklinArterial . l-295 . Commercial St. . MarginalWay . ForeRiverParkway Afterconsideringthe rangeof potential sitesandthe sitecriteria,the TaskForce narrowedthe sitesto threeareas: . Waterfront:in the vicinityof OceanGate . Downtown: Tommy'sParkand/orPostOfficePark . Bayside:TheBayside Trailin thevicinity of the newMaineHealth/United Waybuilding The Task Force memberswent on a field trip to reviewthese potentialsites to determine theirsuitability.Theythendiscussed the strengths or drawbacks of eachsite (seeAppendixE Minutesof October24,2008). RecommendedSife. Afterthoroughdiscussion and review,the TaskForcemembers unanimously concludedthat the BaysideTrailwas the preferredsite and met all the criteriafor a memorialsite. The specificsite underreviewis locatednearthe new MaineHealth/United Way building.Thissiteis central,visible,and accessible.lt will be visitedby manypeoplefromPortland, the regionand beyond.In fact,it is the belief of the Task Forceas well as PortlandTrails,that the trailwill attractpeoplewho will discoverthe Dr. MartinLutherKingJr. memorial,but it will also introducethe Bayside Trailto peoplewho arespecifically seekingthe Dr. MartinLutherKingJr. memorialsite. Becausethe BaysideTrail is new, it does not requireanythingto be re-named. Becausethe BaysideTrailis yet to be builtand is in the designphase,it providesan opportunityfor a newspaceto be createdwithoutdisrupting or displacing otheruses. lt allowsthe Dr. King memorialto be designedas the inspirational and enduringspace envisionedby the Task Forceand ultimatelythe communitywhom,the Task Force hopes,will be involvedin the designprocess.Justas importantly, the Trustfor Public Landsand PortlandTrailsboth have expressedsupportfor establishing a memorial commemorating Dr. Kingon the Trail. In addition,the developersof the new Maine Health/UnitedWay "Bayco"building,haveexpressed supportfor the location. Beyonda PlaceName.The TaskForcewas honoredto be chargedwith identifying a site to commemorate Dr. MartinLutherKing,Jr. As it considered the optionsand the meaningof Dr. King'slife,the TaskForcealsofacedthe issueof: was it was enough? In the courseof itswork,it becameincreasingly clearthatthe workof Dr. MartinLuther King, Jr. and his legacydeservedto be part of the fabricof our daily lives which transcends a staticsitenamedafterDr.King. "Anindividualhasnotstarted The Task Force was committedto fulfillingits livinguntilhecanriseabovethe chargefrom the City Councilto reviewpotential narrow confinesof his sitesto namein honorof Dr. Kingand recommend individualistic concerns tothe the site(s)to the CityCouncil. The TaskForcehas broader concernsofall concluded that naminga siteis onlypartof the task; humanitv. " it willtakemorethanjust erectinga signthat names a place after Dr. King. The Task Force'srecommendation to the Councilinvolves creatinga memorialsitewhichmustbe designedand funded. The TaskForcefeelsa responsibility to cultivatethe necessaryfinancialand other resourcesto createthe memorialsite. ln addition,the TaskForceagreedthatto be a trulymeaningful tributeto the legacyof Dr.King,the Cityneedsto considera wayto bringDr. King'svaluesto lifein a very real andtangiblewayfor the peopleof Portlandand beyond.Of specialconcernto the Task to ensurethat peoplein the future,especiallyoungpeople, Forceis the responsibility wouldknowand learnaboutDr. King,whathe stoodfor,and his life'swork. The Task Forcediscusseda numberof potentialendeavorswhichwouldaccomplish this continuousexaminationand understanding of Dr. King'sideals. Conceptsranged from creatingincubatorspaceto promoteand foster businesscreationto promote economicjusticeand helppeoplebecomeself-sufficient, or teachingurbanfarmingto createjobs whileprovidinglocallygrownproducethat wouldbenefithe community, to establishinga Dr. MartinLutherKing Jr. Centerwhich,amongotherthings,could sponsorcommunitylectureseries,events,or promotesocialjusticeand otherprojects whichwouldemploythe principles of Dr. King'swork. Sucha centercouldprovidethe platformto exploreissuesof peace,socialand economicjustice,humandignityand whatstepswe as a community we needto taketo makeour community morejust,safe, and inclusive.Oneideawasto establish sucha centerin a spacelocatedin the new MaineHealth/UnitedWay building,sinceit wouldbe in closeproximity to the proposed Dr. MartinLutherKing,Jr. memorial. The Task Forcediscussedthis idea with the developersof the building.Althoughthey did not commit,they were open to further discussions. Ultimately,the TaskForcebelievesthatthe mostimportant way to celebrateDr. King's life and legacyis for citizensto work to promotesocialand economicjustice,work to end poverty,andget involvedlocallyto createa bettercommunity. To beginthis nextphase,the TaskForceagreedthat atthe January19,2009Martin LutherKingJr. Day breakfast, the Task Forcewouldinformthe assemblyon its work and presentits proposalto builda Dr. MartinLutherKingJr. memorialon the Bayside Trail,introducethe newweb sitethat has information aboutthe MKLmemorialand how to becomeinvolved,invite people to be part of the capitalcampaignto build the memorial,and start a dialogueon how best to ensurethe messageof Dr. King is experienced in our dailylives. Recommendations and NextSteps TheTaskForcevotedto makethefollowingrecommendations to the CityCouncil: 1. Recommend to the GityCouncilthata sectionof the BaysideTrail,nearthe Maine Health/United Way buildingbe setasideas a memorial to be namedin honorof Dr. MartinLutherKing "All labor that uplifts humanity 2. Recommend to the Gity Gouncilthatthe Council establisha MartinLutherKingJr. Commission which has dignity and importance wouldbe staffedby the CityManger'sdesignate and and should be undertaken with be comprised of membersof the public,Councilors, painstaki ng excellence. " and staffwhichwould: (a) Usinga publicprocess,workwithCitystaffandthe BaysideTrailorganizersto designthe memorial; (b) workwiththe Cityandothercommunity organizations to raisefundsto buildthe memorial.Fundingsourceswouldincludeprivatecontributions,foundations and grants.(TheTaskForceis notseekinggeneralfundmonies). (c) workwiththe ownersof MaineHealth/UnitedWayto ensurethe memorial complements thetrailandthe building. (d) Developon-goingcommunity programsandeventsto bringthe workof Dr. King to life 2. Recommend to the City Councilthat to performits workthe Commission wouldbe allocated up to $5,000annually.The initialfundsthroughJune2009wouldbe funded throughthe City Manager'sOffice:EqualOpportunity & MulticulturalAffairs,to pay administrativecostsincluding printing,officesupplies,etc. websitedesign,advertising, lf the City Councilacceptsthese recommendations, the Task ForceCo-Chairswill makea presentation at the 2009Dr. MartinLutherKing,Jr. Daybreakfast to informthe communityaboutthe work of the Task Forceand the proposedmemorial.The Task Forcewillalsounveila Citywebsitewhichwill informpeopleaboutthe workof the Task Force,the Commission (if established), encouragecommunity involvement in creating andfundingthe memorial, and alertpeopleto volunteer opportunitiesin the community to furtherthe idealsof Dr. King. In short,it will be a resourceto raiseawarenessand helppeopleturnDr. King'swordsintoactions. Conclusion The membersof the Dr. MartinLutherKing, Jr. Task Force are gratefulfor their opportunity to serveon this Task Forceand play an integralrole in findinga way to recognize Dr. MartinLutherKing,Jr. and createan opportunity peopleto be introduced to him or reacquainted with his work. Portlandhas an abundance of naturaland other siteswhichoffernamingopportunities, but it is our conclusion and our recommendation that the site whichbest meetsthe spiritof our chargeand providesan opportunity to createa uniquespacebefittingDr. King is to createa memorialsite on the Bayside Trail. We believewe have accomplished the Council'schargeto us by identifyingand recommending a siteto nameafterDr. Kingto commemorate his legacy. However,in the courseof our deliberations,the Task Forcemembersconcludedthat Portland needsto actto createa livingandenduringtribute.Therefore,we alsorecommend that the Councilappointa citizenscommission whichcan carryon the work of developing the memorial.Manyof us wouldbe willingto continueintothe nextphaseto ensurethe memorialis completed. Beyondthe taskof fundraising, we alsobelievethe Cityhas an importantroleto playin providingstewardship of Dr. King'slegacyin a way that makesit meaningfulto the peopleof Portland. Thereforewe also recommend that the City Councilestablisha citizenscommission, whosemissionwill includeraisingpublicawareness of Dr. King's principles,celebratinghis life by encouragingcivic discourseon socialissueswhich confrontus, and fosteringpublicengagement in addressingissuesof equality,race, socialandeconomic justice,non-violence,freedom,and peace. "Everybody can be great, because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love." Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, Acknowledgement and Appreciation TheTaskForcewishesto thankJudithRosenof the CityManager's staffwhoorganized our meetings andkeptthe recordsof ourwork. We alsothankthe PortlandMayorandCity Councilors for theirforesight, andCityManagerJoeGrayfor hissupport.  Appendix A. CouncilOrder B. TaskForceMembers C. PlaceNameGuidelines D. MissionStatement E. MeetingMinutes  AppendixA Order193-07/08 I Passage' 4t7/08g-O lByffJ"i,%'lffH:(MAYoR)cITy oF pORTLAND JAMESI. COHEN (5) JOHN M. ANTON (A/L) PAVIDArMARSHALL(2) IN TIIE Cmy COUNCIL JILLC. DUSON(A/L) DANIELS.SKOLNIK(3) NICHOLASM. MAVODONES(A/L) CHERYL A. LEEMAN (4) ORDER ESTABLISHING DR. MARTIN LUTIIER KING, JR. TASK FORCE ORDERED, that the Mayor appoint a task force for the following purposes: *to identify public sitesin Portland and the GreaterPortland Area (e.g. parks,bridges,public buildings,city streets,highways)as candidatesto be namedforDr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; and xto evaluatethesesitesfor viability and stepsinvolved in naming or re- naming the sites. BE IT FLIRTIIER ORDERED, that the Task Force would consist of a representative from - or consult as neededwith - eachof the following groups: Portland City Council South Portland City Council CumberlandCounty Commission GreaterPortland Council of Governments Portland School Committee Member of LegislativeDelegation GreaterPortlandtandmarks NAACP PortlandBranch Portland Faith Community Portland Youth Advisory,Committee The kague of Young Voters Portland's Downtown District Portland Community and Regional Chambers PortlandFriends of the Parks Commission BE IT FLIRTIIER ORDERED, that the Task Force report back to the City Council on its findings, and recommendone o{ more sitesfor City Council consideration. BE IT F[JRTHER ORDERED, that staff from the following Portland deparrmentswill be made available to the Task Force as needed: ParksDepartment Public Works Department PlanningandDevelopmentDepartment Orders:MLK Naming 04.01.2008  Appendix B MARTIN LUTHERKING,JR. NAMINGTASKFORCEiT,Mffi iTNS Member: Representing Daniei Skolnik City Council RachelTalbot Ross Portiand Office of Equal Opportunity & Multicultural Affarrs SusanHopkins PortlandSchoolCommittee JoshuaTingley Portland School Committee William Nelligan Portland youth Advisory Committee Brian Chick PortlandDowntown District Regina Martin Portland Community Chamber Wells Stayley Mays NAACP portland Branch Regina Phillips NAACP porrland Branch SusannahFord NAACP portland Branch JamieParker Friends of the park Commission Sandy Wright Leagueof young Voters Bishop Steve Coleman Williams Temple Church of God in Christ JonathanReitman Interfaith Maine Dawud Ummah University of Southem Maine Muslim Chaplain Rabbi Caroiyn Braun Temple Beth-El Rev. KennethLewis Green Memorial AME Zion Church Abraham Peck University of SouthernMaine Academic -*-' Council for post_HolocaustJ"r;;h, Christian and Islamic Studies RichardD'Abate Maine HistoricalSociety SusieBock African American Collection of Maine Pat Finnigan AssistantCity Manager,Staff LutherKing NamingTaskForce -O1d91s,\AnpointMartin 5.i4.08  AppendixC . Atlanta,Georgia- The MartinLutherKingJr. Drivein King'shometown Center,a is a majorlandmarkfor tourism.lt bordersthe AtlantaUniversity conglomerate blackcollegesand universities of historically thatincludesKing's almamaterMorehouse College. . Los Angeles,Galifornia- In 1983,SantaBarbaraBoulevard in South LosAngeleswas renamedMartinLutherKingJr. Boulevard, threeyearsbefore President RonaldReagansigneda lawdeclaring Dr. King'sbirthdaya national holiday.Thateventwas celebrated the firsteverKingdomDayParade,an annual traditionheldon the streetbetweenCrenshawBoulevardandWesternAvenue. . OklahomaCity, Oklahoma:The Northernsectionof EasternAvenue, "Rev.Dr. Martin from E. RenoAvenuenorthto N. 63rdStreet,was renamed LutherKing,Jr. Boulevard" in honorof his impacton the Oklahoma Cityandthe nation.MLKboulevard is the principle N-SAvenuein Oklahoma City'sEastside section,hometo the state'slargestAfricanAmericancommunity.Prominent landmarksalongthe boulevardincludemanyof OklahomaCity'stop attractions, suchas the Oklahoma CityZoological Park,Remington Park,andOmniplex ScienceMuseum.Otherinstitutions of noteinclude Bassett Center, Correctional RalphWaldoEllisonPublicLibrary,the recentlyrebuiltmmpusof Frederick AugustusDouglass HighSchool,andthe YWCABranch.lt is legendthatDr. Kinginterviewed to becomepastorof the historicBaptistChurchin today'sDeep DeuceHistoricneighborhood, but churchofficialsturnedhimdowndue to his youthfulage. . Washington,D.C.-- MartinLutherKingJr.Avenue,. SE, (formerly Nichols Avenue,SE) is the maincommercial streetin the partof SoutheastWashington eastof the AnacostiaRiver.lt intersectsMalcolmX Avenue,SE (formerly Portland St.,SE)nearBollingAir ForceBaseandSt. Elizabeths Also Hospital. verynearthe streetis the homeof Frederick Douglass, the famous abolitionist, for whoma majorcitybridgealongSouthCapitolStreetis named.Otherstreets and bridgesstreetsnamedfor prominentcivilrightsfiguresare NannieHelen Burroughs Avenue,NE and the WhitneyYoungBridgealongEastCapitolStreet. . NewOrleans,Louisiana:Melpomene Avenuewas renamedMartin LutherKingJr. Boulevard. Several murals of King are paintedalongthe boulevard.The boulevard is alsoneara Kingstatueandmemorial on Claiborne Avenue, and the boulevard is partof the routeof New Orlean'sannual Martin LutherKingDayparade.The boulevardis locatedin CentralCity,whichis the city'slargestAfricanAmericancommercial historically districtand a major hubfor the UptownAfricanAmericancommunity. . NewYork City, NewYork: Fourblocksof 125thStreethroughHarlem, designatedDoctorMartinL. King,Jr. Boulevard. The streetfeaturesApollo Theater,a famouscenterfor AfricanAmericanmusic. . Portland,Oregon- MartinLutherKingJr. Boulevardfeaturesa large statueof Kingin frontof the OregonGonvention Center. . Raleigh,North Garolina- MartinLutherKingJr. Boulevardfeaturesthe MartinLutherKingJr. MemorialGardenswith a lifesizestatueof Dr. King. . Seattle,Washington:ln 1983,an eight-milestretchof StateRoute900 betweenSeattleand Rentonwas renamedfrom EmpireWay to MartinLuther KingJr. Way.At the timethe areawas roughly70 percentblack. . Oaklandand Berkeley,Galifornia:GroveStreet,whichstretchedfor severalmilesnorthfrom DowntownOaklandinto NorthBerkeley,was renamed MartinLutherKingJr. Way in 1984.The streethadoncerepresented the dividing linebetweenneighborhoods whereminoritiescouldand couldnot liveor buy property. . Little Rock,Arkansas:In 1992,HighStreetwas renamedMartinLuther KingJr. Drive.The street,whichbeginsnextto the ArkansasStateCapitol building,is hometo paradesand communityevents.MartinLutherKingJr. Interdistrict MagnetElementary Schoolis locatedon the street. . Savannah,Georgia:MartinLutherKingJr. Boulevardfeaturesthe Ralph MarkGilbertCivilRightsMuseum. ' Cleveland,Ohio: MartinLutherKingJr. Drive,formallyLibertyStreet, usedto be a veryrun down,and dangerouspartof the eastsideof Cleveland. The roadis surrounded by a publicpark,withmanylakes,andplaygrounds. Duringthe 1980sMartinLutherKingJr. Drivewasverydarkat night,whichis whenmostof the criminalactivitytookplace.Currently,thereare streetlights every10-20feet,as wellas spotlightsurrounding the nearbyparks.The roadis knownfor its old, beautifuloverpasses. . Gharlotte,North Carolina:In 2006,SecondStreetin Uptownwas renamedto MartinLutherKing,Jr. Boulevard.lt runsthroughwhatwas oncethe predominantly Blackneighborhood of Brooklyn,whichwas demolishedin the 1960sto makeway for expansionof the centralbusinessdistrict. . Baltimore,Maryland:Theoriginalnameof MartinLutherKing,Jr. Boulevardwas HarborCityBoulevard.lt was renamedin honorof Kingshortly afterit opened.The boulevardseparatesthe predominantly blackneighborhoods of WestBaltimorefromthe downtowncentralbusiness district. . Austin,Texas:MartinLutherKing,Jr. Boulevard is seenas a major roadwayleadingto the Universityof Texasin the 2000film RoadTip. . Fayetteville,Arkansas:Fayetteville CityCouncilvotedin January2008to officiallyrenameSixthStreet,whichpassesthroughthe city'shistoricallyblack neighborhood as wellas the southernboundaryof the Universityof Arkansas campus,to MartinLutherKingJr. Boulevard. Wal-Martheadeda petitionof 71 businessesopposedto the renaming. . Pittsburgh,Pennsylvania: The MartinLutherKingJr. EastBusway,a bus rapidtransitline,runs9 milesfrom DowntownPittsburghto Rankinvia Shadyside, EastLiberty,Homewood, Edgewood, andWilkinsburg. lt is usedby an averageof 25,000peopleeachweekday. . Cincinnati,Ohio: MartinLutherKingDriveis a majorcrosstownarteryin Cincinnati.lt connectsthe westsideof the cityto the east,runningthrough severalhistoricuptownneighborhoods .  STREETS NAMEDAFTERDR.MARTINLUTHERKING,JR. StreetsnamedafterMartinLutherKing,Jr. can be foundin manycitiesof the UnitedStates,andin nearlyeverymajormetropolis in America.The numberof streetsnamedafterKingis growingeveryyear: . As of 2003,therewereover600Americancitiesthathadnameda street afterKing.Morethan75%of thesestreetswerein six Southernstates: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, andTexas.King's homestateof Georgiahadthe most,with75 streetsas of 2001.Only11 statesin the countrydid not havea streetnamedafterKing. . In 2004,NPRreportedthatthereweresome650Americanstreetsnamed afterKing,and moreare addedeveryyear. . In 2006,DerekAlderman, geographer a cultural at EastCarolina University,reportedthatmorethan730Americancitieshadnameda streetafterKing.70o/of thesestreetswerein sevenSouthernstates: Alabama, Florida,Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, NorthCarolina, and Texas.King'shomestateof Georgiahadthe most,with 105streets.Only 11 statesin the countrydid nothavea streetnamedafterKing. Thereare alsoa numberof othercountries thathavehonoredKing,includingno lessthanten citiesin ltaly. Prominentexamples: . Miamiand Hialeah,Florida:Northwest 62ndStreet(Eastgth Streetin Hialeah)is calledMartinLutherKingBoulevard sincehe gavespeechesall acrossthe South,including the cityof Miami.lronically , he gaveoneof his speechesat a churchnearthe intersection of East8th StreetandLeJeuneRoad. It is unknownwhenthe roadgotthisname.ButsomeHialeahresidents sayit was in the middleof the 1970s. . Ghicago,lllinois:In 1968,Chicago becamethefirstcityin thecountryto namea streetafterKing.Today,MartinLutherKingJr. Drivefeaturesa Tributeto the GreatNorthernMigration (a statuehonoring the thousandsof African Americans who migratednorthto chicago)anda VictoryMonument for the EighthRegiment(featuring a statueof a wwl AfricanAmericansoldier). . Selma,Alabama:In 1976,SylvanStreetwas renamedMartinLutherKing Street.KingspentmanydaysalongSylvanStreetworkingfor civilrightsin the 1960s,especiallyby speakingat FirstBaptistChurchand BrownChapel.Brown Chapelis the backgroundin a famousTimemagazine photograph of Kingin the 60s.Today,thereis a monument honoringKingin frontof BrownChapel.Brown chapelwasalsothe beginning of the routeof the infamousBloodysunday . Atlanta,Georgia- The MartinLutherKingJr. Drivein King'shometown is a majorlandmark Center,a for tourism.lt borderstheAtlantaUniversity conglomerate blackcollegesanduniversities of historically thatincludesKing's almamaterMorehouse College. . Los Angeles,California- In 1983,SantaBarbaraBoulevard in South LosAngeles was renamed MartinLuther KingJr. Boulevard,threeyears before President RonaldReagansigneda lawdeclaring Dr.King'sbirthdaya national holiday.Thateventwas celebrated thefirsteverKingdomDayParade,an annual traditionheldon the streetbetweenCrenshawBoulevardandWesternAvenue. . OklahomaCity,Oklahoma:The Northern sectionof EasternAvenue, from E. RenoAvenuenorthto N. 63rdStreet,was renamed"Rev.Dr. Martin LutherKing,Jr. Boulevard" in honorof his impacton the Oklahoma Cityandthe nation.MLKboulevard is the principleN-SAvenuein Oklahoma City'sEastside section,hometo the state'slargestAfricanAmericancommunity. Prominent landmarks alongthe boulevard includemanyof Oklahoma City'stop attractions, suchas the Oklahoma CityZoological Park,Remington Park,andOmniplex ScienceMuseum.Otherinstitutions of noteincludeBassettCorrectional Center, RalphWaldoEllisonPublicLibrary, the rebuilt recently campus of Frederick AugustusDouglass HighSchool,andthe YWCABranch.lt is legendthatDr. Kinginterviewed to become pastorof the historicBaptistChurchin today'sDeep DeuceHistoricneighborhood, butchurchofficials turnedhimdowndueto his youthfulage. . Washington,D.C.-- MartinLutherKingJr.Avenue,SE,(formerly Nichols Avenue,SE) is the maincommercial streetin the part Washington of Southeast eastof the AnacostiaRiver.lt intersectsMalcolmX Avenue,SE (formerly Portland St.,SE)nearBollingAir ForceBaseandSt. Elizabeths Also Hospital. verynearthe streetis the homeof FrederickDouglass,the famousabolitionist, for whoma majorcitybridgealongSouthCapitolStreetis named.Otherstreets and bridgesstreetsnamedfor prominentcivilrightsfiguresare NannieHelen Burroughs Avenue,NE andtheWhitneyYoungBridgealongEastCapitolStreet. . NewOrleans,Louisiana:Melpomene AvenuewasrenamedMartin LutherKingJr. Boulevard. Severalmuralsof Kingarepaintedalongthe boulevard. The boulevard is alsoneara Kingstatueandmemorial on Claiborne Avenue,andthe boulevard is partof the routeof NewOrlean'sannualMartin LutherKingDayparade.The boulevardis locatedin CentralCity,whichis the city'slargestAfricanAmericancommercial historically districtand a major hubfor the UptownAfricanAmericancommunity. The U.S. Board of Geographic Names Commemorative Naming Policy In the Unitedstates,thousands of peoplehavecontributed andwill continueto contributeto societyin manydifferentways.Manydeserve to be honored.such recognition cantake manyforms,incruding scholarshio p rs c h a r i t a b lfeu n d se s t a b l i s h ei nd a n i n d i v i d u a l 'nsa m e ,a commemorative plaque,or a donationto supportsomeaspectof the individual's education, career,or recreational interests. commemorative namingof geographic featuresis but one of many optionsto considerwhenmemorializing individuals and their accomplishments. Althoughthe Boardrealizes that suchrecognitionmay be desirable, it is neitherpossiblenor appropriateto approveeverycommemoratjve namingproposal submitted. To evaluateobjectively the increasing numberof commemorative requestsreceivedeachyear,the Board usesthe followingprinciples,policies, and proceduresin making decisions: . section l-The U.s. Boardon Geographic Nameswill consider proposals for assignment of the namesor nicknames of deceasedpersonsto geographic featuresin the unitedstates andareasunderthe jurisdiction of the UnitedStates.The Board will not considernamesthat commemorate or may be construed to commemorate livingpersons. In addition,a personmustbe deceased at least5 yearsbeforea commemorative proposalwill be docketedfor consideration, . Section2-The personbeinghonoredby the namingshould eitherhavehada directlong-termassociation with the feature or havemadea significant contribution to the areaor Statein whichit is located. . section 3-A proposal commemorating an individual with an outstanding nationalor international reputation will be considered evenif the personwas not directlyassociated with the geographic feature. . section 4-All commemorative nameproposals must meetthe samebasiccriteriarequiredof any othernameproposal.  CommemorativeNaming Guidelines GeographicalNamesBoard of Canada I - Introduction / Background In the fall of 2004,the Commemorative NamingPolicy Working Group of the GeographicalNamesBoardof Canada(GNBC)was formedto draft nationalguidelines on commemorative naming. Existing documentationon commemorative namingfrom federal,provincial,and territorialnamingauthoritieswasreviewed. It was apparenthat formal guidelineson commemorative naming,aswell as a relatedset of procedures,would promoteandachieveconsistencyacrossCanada. Definition: CommemorativeNaming For the purposesof theseguidelines,commemorative namingrefersto the namingof naturalor culturalfeaturesafterpersonsor events,as a way to honouror memorializethe personor eventin question. II - Objective To encouragethe standardization of existingpolicies,principles,andprocedures associated with commemorative namingthroughoutCanada. III - Guiding Principles Whenproposingor consideringa commemorative name,the following principleswill be adheredto, unlessthey conflict with an existingpolicy of the namingauthorityin question: L A proposednamewill only be consideredfor personsposthumously;a minimum of five yearsmustelapsefrom the dateof deathbeforea commemorative nameproposal will be considered.For events,at leasttwenty-fiveyearsmusthaveelapsedsincethe occuffenceof the event. 2. A commemorative namewill only be consideredfor subjectswith a strongassociation with the areaor feature,or of outstandingsignificanceto the culturallegacyor developmentof the area,the province,or the nation. 3. A proposednamewill be supportedby the local communityandreachbeyonda single or specialinterest$oup. 23June,2006 TORONTO Griteriafor nameselection 1. Streetsshouldgenerallybe namedafterpeople,places,eventsandthingsrelatedto the Cityandcitizensof Toronto.Proposednamesshouldmeetoneof thefollowing criteria: a. to honorandcommemorate noteworthypersonsassociated withtheCityof Toronto b. to commemorate localhistory,places,eventsor culture c. to strengtheneighborhood identity d. to recognizenativewildlife,flora,faunaor naturalfeaturesrelatedto the community andtheCityof Toronto e. to reoognizecommunities whichcontribute to theethno-racial diversityof Toronto 2. Consideration shouldbe givento namesof localareaor historicsignificance. 3. Namesof livingpersonshouldbe usedonlyin exceptional circumstances. 4. Onlya person'slastnameshouldbe usedas a streetnameunlessadditional identification is necessary withan existingstreetnamein Toronto to Breventduplication andsurrounding municipalities. Streettype designations 1. Streetypedesignations, depending on roadwayfunction,lengthandconfiguration exist to definethe charaeterof a street.Thefollowingdesignations shouldbe consulted: a. Street,Avenue,Road,Boulevard- for majorthoroughfares or streetsof several blocksin length b. Drive,Trail,Way- for streetswhicharewindingor curved c. Terrace,Gardens,Grove,Pathway,Heights- for minoror shortstreets d. Lane,Mews,Glose- for narrowstreetsgenerally usedfor service e. Crescent- for streetswhichforma crescent f. Gourt,Place- for cul-de-sacs g. Gircle- for streetsthatarecircular h. Gate- for a shortstreethatprovidesan entrance to a subdivision i. Square- for streetsthatform partof a square 2. Qualifyingwordsmaybe usedwhena newlycreatedstreetis in actualityan extension of an existingstreetwhichcannotbe renumbered or for whichno municipal numbersare North,South,East,WestandUpperor Lowerareappropriate available. qualifying words.  MartinLutherKingJr. TaskForce MissionStatement To honorandcelebrate the lifeof Dr.MartinLutherKingJr.,the Cityof proclaim Portlandand its residents for a greatman theirappreciation whoselifehas madeour city, state,and nationa betterplaceto live. Communities in everycornerof the worldincludingover700 in the United Stateshave honoredMartinLutherKingJr., becausehe was a greatcivil rightsleader, a greatreligiousleader,and a greatAmericanleader. His life'swork remindsus to pursuedignityfor each individual,socialand economicequality, andjusticefor everyAmerican. Thesevaluesknowno boundaries.Theyserveas a compassto guideour citydailyon a pathawayfromdiscrimination, racism,povertyand injustice. Theysteerus towardsjustice,equalityandfreedomfor all peoplewho live, work,visitor callPortlandhome. This commemoration connectsDr. MartinLutherKing'sbeliefsand legacy to the daily life of our city. His messagesof internationalpeace and fundamental fairnessare ones we want to conveyto our children. In honoringDr. Kingwe movePortlandcloserto realizing his dreamof a more justand humaneworldby makingit ourown.  Appendix E MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. TASK FORCE Wednesday,June 1102008 Room 24 - Citv Hall 5:30 p.m. ATTENDANCE: Councilor Dan Skolnik, RachelTalbot Ross,Co-Chairs;BishopSteve Coleman, ReverendKenneth Lewis, William Nelligan, Jamie Parker,Regina Phillips, JonathanReitman, Wells Staley-Mays,JoshuaTingley, Dawud Ummah, Committee Members; Pat Finnigan, Judith Rosen,City Staff. The meeting was called to order at 5:40 p.m. Committee memberswere introduced and welcomed. RachelTalbot Ross gave an overview regardingthe establishmentof the committee. Over 740 cities and 41 stateshave a commemorativefor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Maine is not one of them. The City Council passedan order establishinga committeeto identify public sites in the GreaterPortland areaas candidatesto be named for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Councilor Skolnik statedthat next year is Dr. King's 80thbirthday and he would like to have a commemorativeunveiling by January 19,2009, the national King holiday. A power point presentationshowing examplesof public sites and place names from other statesand cities was given by Rachel Talbot Ross. She also went over commemorative naming guidelines (see attached)and noted there are no City guidelines for this. Criteria from the committee will need to set. Committeemembersdiscussedguiding principlesand actualsitepossibilities. The following recommendationswere made: Guiding Principles . Site shouldbe highly visible ' Accessibility - open area,treesetc. - waterfront area . Reasonablecost . Visible to visitors and citizens ' Usefulness- more than a plaque . Contemplative niche . Acceptable to broad community . Minority community included in process . Multi-prongedpieces- not just one commemorative . Price shouldn't be first concern- not aroundmoney/budget . Could have small and large ventures- short & long term ' Educational piece - younger generationisn't as informed . Week long event/celebration . Should include historical component  . Could be included in new community developments ' Connection to Freedom Trail - could enhanceboth venturesAylalcolmX, etc. . Where Dr. King visited in MaineiPortland is an important piece . Include other towns, colleges,etc. Actual Sites . Lincoln Park . Waterfront . Tommy's or Post Office Park . Schools ' Portland International Jetport . Ocean Gateway ' Highways - 295 Discussionfollowed regardingmeetingschedulesand agendaitems for next meeting. Membersrecommendedmeetingthe 2noFriday of the month from 8:30-10:00 a.m. in Room 209, City Hall. The meeting datesare: July 1lth August 8th September 12th October 10th To use people's time and talentsmost effectively, the Committee decidedto establish leadershipteams. Members can choosemore than one team to participate in. Each team will be responsiblefor leading the discussionof the full committee aroundtheir applicableissues. Teamsare: 1) Site Selection- identify the logistics,cost,history, etc. of eachnominatedsite. Site visits by this team may take place. 2) Research- gatheraccurateinformationregardingMLK Jr.'s connectionto Portland/region, and ensureany documentswe develop are historically accurate 3) Fund development - identify potential funding sources,grant opportunities, public/private financing, etc. 4) Writing Team - composea narrative which clearly statesour purpose and final Recommendations. All members should e-mail Judy Rosen at: jhg@,portlandmaine.eov with the leadership team/teamsthey wish to participate on and if they would like to chair the team. All teams should meet before the July meeting. Meetingadjournedat7:20 p.m. Respectfully submitted Judith Rosen Secretarypro tem  MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. TASK FORCE Friday, July 11,2008 Room 209 - Citv Hall 8:30 a.m. ATTENDANCE: Councilor Dan Skolnik, Chair; Rabbi Carolyn Braun, ZannahFord, SusanHopkins, ReginaMartin, ReginaPhillips, CommitteeMembers;PatriciaFinnigan, Judith Rosen. Staff. The meetingwas calledto order at 8:45 a.m. Councilor Skolnik introducedcommittee members. Councilor Skolnik gave an overview of the task force mission and what was discussedat the June meeting. Review of the task force structureand timeline was discussed. At the June meeting, 4 sub-committeegroupswere created;fund development,research,site selection,and writing. Committee memberswho had not signedup for a committee did so. Councilor Skolnik noted that decisionswill be madeby the Task Force, but the sub- committees are intended to work on specific tasksthat will help the Task Force complete its mission. Discussionfollowed regardingthe committees. Next Steps: The August 8thmeetingwill be usedfor a field trip to visit potential sites. Two of the sub-committeeswill be meetingthe week of Julyl4th. The writing sub-committee will meet on Wednesday,July 16thin Room 209 of City Hall at 9:00 a.m. Committeemembersthus far are:Councilor Skolnik, SusanHopkins and JonathanReitman. The Site Committee will meetWednesdayoJuty 16thin Room 209 ofCity Hall for a brown bag lunch atl2z00 Noon. Committee members thus far are: Councilor Skolnik, Rabbi Carolyn Braun, Bishop SteveColeman,Pat Finnigan, William Nelligan, and Regina Phillips. All committee members are invited to participate in sub-committee meetings,and anyone who has not signed up for a sub-committeeis encouragedto do so. Councilor Skolnik thankedcommitteemembers. The meetingadjournedat 9:15 a.m. Respectfullysubmitted Judith Rosen Secretarypro tem  Minutes MartinLutherKing,Jr. TaskForce Friday,August8, 2008 CityHall- Room209 8 : 3 0a . m . Attendance:Co-Chairs:Dan Skolnik,RachelTalbotRoss;Members: JonathanReitman, DawudUmmah,SusannahFord, ReginaPhillips,Abe Peck,Steve Bromage,Susan Hopkins,Staff:PatFinnigan Councilor Skolnikcalledthe meetingto orderat 8:45a.m. Afterintroductionsof members, CouncilorSkolnikasked Co-ChairRachelTalbot Ross to providean overviewof the leadershipteamsthat were establishedto work on specifictasks identifiedby the Task Force. Rachelexplainedthatthe TaskForcehadestablished fourteamsthatwouldtakethe leaderon thefollowingtasks: ' The ResearchTeamwhichis responsible for ensuringtheworkof the TaskForceis historically accurate . TheWritingTeamwhosefirsttaskis to drafta MissionStatement andto document the workof the TaskForce . The FundDevelopment Teamwhichwillbe responsible for identifyingandseeking publicand privaterevenuesourcesto fundthe recommendation(s) of the TaskForce . The SiteSelectionTeamwhichis responsible for scopingout potential siteswhichthe TaskForcecan considerto createa memorial to Dr.King. Timeline. Councilor SkolnikthankedRachelfor her explanation of the tasksbeforethe members.He said it was his goalto havethe Task Forcecompleteits work beforethe end of Octoberin orderto haverecommendations to presento the City Councilbefore the endof the year. Hishopewasto announce theTaskForce'srecommendation andthe City Council'sactionto honor Dr. King at the January2009 MartinLutherKing,Jr. breakfast.That eventwill markMLKJr's 80thbirthdayand the 100thanniversary ottne NAACP. Writing Team: Mission Statement. CouncilorSkolnikreportedon the work of the WritingTeam. Theirfirstprojectwasto developthe MissionStatement.CouncilorSkolnik reviewedthe draftMissionStatement(attached) and askedfor feedback.The TaskForce membersdiscussed the conceptstheywantedit to conveyin the MissionStatement: Abesaidhe thoughta stronger endingwasneededto evokemoreemotion.Susanagreed andsuggestedthatit add"making hisdreamourdream"for example. Jonathansaidthatas writtenit couldapplyto anygreatcivilrightsleader;we needto to answerthe question makeit compelling of whywe havechosenMartinLutherKingJr. Stevenotedthat Portlandhasa longrecordof commitment to civilrights.Susanadded that Portlandwas one of onlyninerefugeeresettlement communities in the U.S.to accept peoplefromanywhere. Jonathannotedthatthe MissionStatement shouldmakea connection to Portland's values andwhatwe standfor and howwe arealignedwith Dr.King'sagendaincluding such issuesas revitalization justice. of urbancentersandeconomic Abe statedthat Dr. Kingwas a martyr.He haddedicated hiswholelifeto the causeof civil rights,peaceandjusticeandhe hadgivenup hislife. Stevesaidthatwe neededto honorand memorialize Dr.Kingin a waythat is befitting of himandwhathe stoodfor,notjustforthe sakeof wishingto honorhim. Abe notedthatthe peoplewho alreadybelievein the principlesDr.Kingstoodfor attend the annualMLKJr. Daybreakfastandparticipate in othersuchevents.He suggested that the Portlandmemorialneededbe a wayto raiseawareness of all peoplewho encounterit andgivepeoplea reasonto pauseandthinkabouthowDr.Kinglivedhislifeandwhatthat meansfor peoplenowandin thefuture. CouncilorSkolnikstatedhisbeliefthatthe memorial neededto be highlyvisible,something thatmanypeoplewouldencounter daily,andhardto ignore.He did notbelievethatthe selectedsitehadto be a locationthatDr. Kingactuallyvisited. Rachelthenencouraged the TaskForcemembersto discussGuidingPrinciptes for the memorial.Shesuggested thattheTaskForceshouldfocuson suchthemesas Dr.King's commitment to: . Peace . Freedom . Economic Justice . lnterfaithrelations . Non-Violence . Equality Susansaidshe hopedthatwe wouldrootthisendeavorin "celebrationandjoy to keepthe momentum going"to inspirepeople,especially youngpeople,aboutwhatDr.Kingstood for. Shesaideachgeneration hasthe responsibility to passthaton. Abe notedthatMainehasan identity as a peaceleader. Stevenstatedthatwe are andwantto be a community knownfor our courageto address injustice andthatwe takeon issuesof justice. and inequality Jonathanotedthatit is ourdutyto liveourlivesmodelingDr.King.Theworkof theTask Forceshouldcreatea daily,visiblereminderof theworkthatDr.Kingdid,andtheworkwe haveleftto do and needto do. Rachelsaidshelikedthe conceptof courage, stayingtrueto andquestioning thingsas theyare,stayingengagedandconscious of the issuesthatexist.The memorial should makeus allthink. lt cannotbe a token. Susannah saidthatthe memorial shouldbe something thatcanunifyus as a community. The Task Forcethen discussedspecificsites. Racheldirectedpeople'sattentionto the criteriausedby Torontowhichcouldbe usefulin the Task Force'sdeliberations. Specific sitesthatwerediscussed included, CongressStreet(highvisibility), Tommy'sPark(as a placeof gatheringand visibility).The concernwas expressedthat if we selectedan area with a very well known popular name,peoplemay neveradaptto a new name or recognize it as a Dr. Kingmemorial.Stevenalso notedthat the Task Forceshouldbe aware a creatingculturalconflictsby renamingexistingplacesthat have meaningto people. TheTaskForcethenwenton a "virtualtour"by viewinga PowerPoint presentation of sites aroundthe Cityto helpgenerate andprosandconsof particular discussion locations. At the completionof the virtualtour,the TaskForceagreedit wouldbe helpfulto invite membersof the City'sPlanningand Historical Preservation staffto briefthemon plansfor the FranklinArterialas wellas otherdevelopments thatcouldimpacthe siteselection process. TheTaskForceadjourned at approximately 10:00a.m.  Minutes MartinLutherKing,Jr. TaskForce Friday,September 26,2008 CityHall- Room209 8 : 3 0a . m . Attendance: Co-Chairs: DanSkolnik, RachelTalbotRoss;Members: JanisBeitzer, JonathanReitman,DawudUmmah,Susannah Ford,ReginaPhillips, Abe Peck,Bill Nelligan, SteveBromage,ReginaMartin,SusanHopkins,Staff:PatFinnigan Callto Order;Minutes CouncilorSkolnikcalledthe meetingto order at approximately 8:43 a.m. After introductions of members,Councilor Skolnik, the membersreviewed the Minutesof the August6 meeting.Membersnoted2 changes:January2009marksDr.King's80th(not 90'n)birthdayand Portlandwas 1 of 9 communities(not3) resettlementcommunities thatacceptspeoplefromanywhere. (approved Minutesattached) SiteSelection To helpthe TaskForcewithselecting a sitefor a memorial,the TaskForceinvitedAlex Jaegerman, the City'sPlanning Division Director, to discussomeof the redevelopment effortsthat are underway.Alexfocusedon Bayside,the BaysideTrail,and the Eastern Waterfront(includingthe MaineStatePier and OceanGatewayarea)as the primary areasfor discussion, withsomediscussion of theWesternWaterfront. Task Force membersaskedwhetherany of the sites had any politicalpitfalls,or regulatoryprocessesthat the Task Forceshouldbe awareof. Mr. Jaegermansaid that if the Task Forceintendedto erecta monumentor somesortof art,the PublicArt Commission wouldneedto reviewit. He alsosaidthatthe Trustfor PublicLand(TPL) and PortlandTrailswouldneedbe includedin any discussion involvingthe proposed BaysideTrail. RachelTalbotRosssaid that the PublicArt Commission had been consultedregardingthe FreedomTrail marker project. She said the Historic Preservation Commission hadalsobeenconsulted. TheTaskForcediscussed the conceptof narrowing the listof possibilities to 2 or 3 places/ideas andthe needto involvestakeholders.Members alsodiscussed the balancebetweenhavinga projecthatcouldbe completed andannounced at the 2009 MLKDayBreakfast,andtakingsufficient timeto createa projectthoughtfully for the longterm. Membersacknowledged thatdepending on ethtypeof projectselectedcouldimpacthe amountof time neededto accomplishit. Thereare shorttermand longterm projects- or perhapsa combinationor a multi-faceted approach.Ultimatelyeveryoneagreed agreedthatwhichevercoursethe TaskForceselectedto take,the finaloutcomeshould havea definiteimpact. To havesuchan impact,severalmemberssaidthatthe Task Forceneededa StrategicPlanto accomplish its mission. Specificideasthat weresuggestedincluded:Preference for a park,placeor gathering place,sincethosewere placesthat couldengagethe community.The BaysideTrail area,or the new park plannedfor the MaineState Pier projectwere mentionedas possibilities; the BaysideTraillendsitselfto beingableto tell the storyof MLK,civil rightsand all the valueshe stoodfor; anotherideato meetthat criteriawas Tommy's Park;the formerJordanMeatareais a goodcandidate sinceit can be a gatheringplace and its centralocationin the commercial districtcouldspeakto the issueof economic justice;the new buildingbeingdeveloped by MaineHealthand UnitedWaywill havea conference roomwhichcould presenta numberof partnering opportunities; the timing of the renovations of the Public Librarycould also present a good opportunityfor partnering. Basedon thewiderangingdiscussion of suggestion andideas,theTaskForceagreed it wastimefor a fieldtripto lookat someof the possiblesitesincluding the Ocean Gatewayand MaineStatePierarea,Tommy'sPark,Bayside,andanyothersitesalong the route.The dateof the fieldtrip is Fri. October70 at 8:300a.m. Staffwill reserve a van and let TaskForceMembersknowwhereto meet. MissionStatement TheTaskForcediscussed changesto the MissionStatement to makeit stronger.Upon motionby DawudUmmah,seconded by Abe Peck,the changesto the Mission Statementwereadopted.(Please see attached.) Nextmeetings: As previously the nextmeeting discussed, willbe a fieldtripon Friday,October10 at 8 : 3 0a . m . Thefollowingmeetingwill be on Friday October24 at City Hall at 11:00 a.m. Please notethe specialtime. 10:20a.m. at approximately Adjourned  MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. TASK FORCE MEETING Friday, October 24, 2008 City Hall - Room 24 11:00a.m. ATTENDAI\CE: Co-Chairs:CouncilorDan Skolnik, RachelTalbot Ross;Members: Janis Beitzer, Bishop Steve Coleman, ZannahFord, Abraham Peck, JonathanReitman, Wells Staley- Mays, Dawud Ummah; Guest,Nancy Akers; Staff: Judith Rosen. The meeting was called to order at 11:10 a.m. by Rachel Talbot Ross. She then gave an overview of the last meeting which was a site tour of 3 potential sites for a memorial to Martin Luther King, Jr. Task Force membersstartedat the Waterfront, then went to Tommy's Park and Post Office Park and then to the Bayside Trail. Rick Knowland from the Planning Department spoketo membersregardingthe BaysideTrail. Jan Beitzer spoke with Brian Petrovic, United Way Chairman of the Board who is interestedin this project. Rachel spoke with Meg Baxter from United Way who is also interested in the project. Trust for Public Land who designedBayside Trail, is also excited about the project. They do not have a name for the Bayside Trail yet and could possibly name it for Martin Luther King. Rachel met with the Trust once and will be attending another meeting on October 30th. There was also discussionwith Meg Baxter regarding the use of space in the new United Way/N4aineHealth Care building for a temporary site for the Martin Luther King Community Center. Rachel Talbot Ross mentioned The University of Maine in Orono will be dedicating a park after Martin Luther King, Jr. and CorettaKing on October31't. This will be the first officiaimemorial in the Stateof Maine for Martin Luther King, Jr. Committeemembersthen went over eachof the 3 sitesand discussedthe pros and consof each. Waterfront Pros: Would have internationalflavor (cruiseships,etc.) Waterfront still under development Could broadcastto the world that Portland is an inclusive citv Cons: Waterfront project very up in the air No one knows what the final plan will be Not happy about location Not a place where people "hang out" No diversepopulation Has political problems JonathanReitman recommendedtaking this site off the table for now and to re-visit it after the other challengesare resolved. Committee membersagreedbut want it included in the final report as a potential site for a later time. Tommv's Park & Post Office Park Pros: Lot of peoplewalk through Young people gather there Lot's of commercialtraffic Tommy's Park has not beenofficially namedby the City Post Office Park has not beenofficially namedby the City. PostBoxes were given to the City by their Sister City program in Japan Could have outdoor lectureseries/music Local vendors could display their wares (immigrant community) People akeady go to theseparks Right in the middle of the downtown community Visitors visit there Would be a daily reminder Activist group gather there Could have exhibits of community diversity Existing information booth Cons: Peopleof color don't go there Very small space In historic district - whateveris proposedwould go througha review process Isn't a "contemplative"space Is a tourist and businessarea- not for peoplewho live outsidethe peninsula Bavside Trail Pros: United WayAvIeHealth new building could be temporary MLK community center Big space Buy in from surrounding businesscommunity Accessto community Breaking ground this spring Could potentially get first floor space Bring in programming Would be a communitv initiative Cons "minority Could be seenas locatedin Neighborhood" Difficult to seeshort-term Will be a constructionsite for next few years Committeemembersdiscussedhow to proposerecommendationstatingthe needto be mindful of long-term vs. short-tenn recommendations.Dawud Ummah recommendedmounting future plans at Tommy's Park for citizens to see. There is a lot of enthusiasmfor the Bayside Trail areabeine the site. Next Steps: Rachel Talbot Ross will go to the Trust for Public Land meeting on October 30thand affirm that the committee wants to work with them on possiblenaming and design. Pat Finnigan will have discussionswith Meg Baxter and Brian Petrovic of United Way regarding temporary spacefor a community place to gather and do programming. Councilor Skolnik will talk with fellow Councilorsand Joe Gray regardingthis project. There should be outreach to stakeholdergroups informing them of what is going on. There shouldbe a meetingwith stakeholdersinvited. Someof theseinclude: Portland Landmarks Abyssinian Church Maine Preservation EastBaysideAssociation BaysideNeighborhoodAssociation ParksideNeighborhoodAssociation Islamic Society Root Cellar Whole Foods PlanetDog DHS Mike Bobinksy, Tom Civiello from Public Services Intemational Fellowship - PastorMutima Historic Preservation- Deb Andrews Maine Health United Way The next meeting of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Task Force will be Thursday, November 6, 2008 at 3:00 p.m. in Room 209, City Halt. Meeting adjournedat 1:00p.m.  MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. TASK FORCE MEETING Thursday, November 6, 2008 City Hall - Room 209 3:00 p.m. ATTENDANCE: Co-Chairs,CouncilorDan Skolnik, RachelTalbot Ross;Members: JanisBeitzer, William Nelligan, ReginaPhillips, Dawud Ummah; Dennis Crowley, GreaterPortland Landmarks; Pat Firurigan,Judith Rosen,City Staff. The meeting was called to order at 3:07 p.m. RachelTalbot Ross gave an updateon her meeting with the Trust for Public Land Design Sub-Committee regarding the Bayside Trail. Bayside Trail is the leading candidate for the MLK memorial. The design sub- committee is comprised of representativesfrom Portland Trails, Friends of the Parks, Trust for Public Land and City Planners. They are very enthusiastic about having a memorial honoring Martin Luther King Jr. They explained that trails are usually named geographically so people will know where the trails are located, but they are excited about having an MLK Plaza and Community Center within the trail site. The short term goal would be the MLK Plaza which would be a contemplativeplace etc. The long term goal would be building an MLK Center with an educational component and place for community to gather. RachelTalbot Ross spokewith Meg Baxter from United Way. Shewill set up a meeting with Meg Baxter and Bob Caron from Maine Health Care to discussusing their new building for a block of rooms for the MLK Center. Next Steps: meet with Baysidedesignteam to identify what spacewould be usedfor the MLK PIaza. Timeframe: The MLK breakfast on January 19'n. Task Force could unveil something stating their intention and invite the community to join in the endeavor. Rachel Talbot Ross recommendedjoint billing with United Way, Portland Land Trust and Maine Health Care showing their support as well. Regina Phillips suggesteda poster giving an updateon what the committee has been doing as well as putting apagein the MLK booklet. Dan Skolnik wants to unveil more than an idea. He wants somethingsubstantialto show the framework of what we are doing. Therecould be a schematicof the BaysideTrail and where the MLK PlazalCenterwould be. Dennis Crowley & Dan Skolnik suggestedmemorializingCorettaScott King as well as Martin Luther King, Jr. as part of the Bayside Trail. Rachel Talbot Ross and Regina Phillips went to the University of Maine-Orono Martin Luther King/Coretta Scott King Park dedication. There were over 500 people at the unveiling. It took over 2 years to complete from start to finish. They used pillars with quotes from Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King. It was very impressive. Next Steps: Committee should meet in the next 2 weeks to talk about the framework becoming a reahty; invite stakeholdersto join in the public process; identify Bayside Trail site; create a schematic with a map for Tommy Park; name groups involved who have come together in support of this project; give working group a name; create webpage on City website to include mission statement,minutes of meetings and stakeholders;promotional schematicat Tommy's Park showing the potential site; use the MLK Build a Dream website to find out information. Rachel Talbot Ross suggestedan unveiling of the schematicat Tommy's park and could make it a fundraiser with a reception afterwards. This would be on February 12th. NEXT STEPS 1) Meet with MIS Department on website creation 2) Meet with Deb Andrews (Historic Preservation)regarding signage 3) Meet with Planning Departmentregarding schematic 4) Set-up sub-committeemeeting for framework & working group 5) Meet with Bill Caron of Maine Health Care,Meg Baxter& Brian Petrovic of United Way regarding spacein their building (Rachel,Pat & Dan) 6) RachelTalbot Rosswill speakwith Maine HumanitiesCouncil regardingthe February 12'nunveiling 7) Will Nelligan will look into the National MLK Memorial website Next Meeting: Wednesday,November I}th at 12:00Noon, Room 209, City Hall to discussand vote on recommendations to be presentedto the City Council. Meeting adjournedat 4:20 p.m.  MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR., TASK FORCE MEETING Wednesday,November 19, 2008 Room 209 - City Hall 8:00 a.m. ATTENDANCE: Co-Chairs,CouncilorDan Skolnik, RachelTalbot Ross;Members: SteveBromage,Bishop SteveColeman,SusanHopkins, ReginaMartin, JaimeParker, ReginaPhillips, JonathanReitman,Wells Staley-Mays;City Staff: Pat Finnigan,Judith Rosen. The meeting was called to order at 8:10 a.m. Dan Skolnik welcomedmembersand gave an overview of the work done so far. He mentionedthat the BaysideTrail is the leading candidatefor the MLK memorial. RachelTalbot Ross discussedthe 2 meetingsshe had been to with the Trust for Public land and their enthusiasmabout having an MLK memorial at the trail. There is going to be a public forum regarding Bayside Trail on Saturday,November 22"o at 12:30 p.m. Rachel will be helping facilitate that meeting. Shewill discussthe MLK Plazaconceptat that time. Racheldiscussednext steps. A report will be given to the full City Council regardingthe work the task force has beendoing and the action plan. The Task Force wants to form a Commissionfrom this group to work on the long-terminitiative. Raqheland Pat Finnigan had a conversationwith Maine Health Care and United Way for a potential site for a Martin Luther King, Jr. Centerin their new building. They agreewith the concept and vision but could not commit to giving space. Their building has 8 floors - all but the top floor is occupied at this time. There would have to be fundraising for this venture. Hopefully Maine Health Care and United Way would be a partner in finding a room or spacefor the Center. There is no money allotted for this venture. There will need to be fundraising.. Jamie Parker mentionedthat the Bayside Trail will be using landscapingand that committee memberscould work with their designteam regarding landscapingfor the plaza. Rachel discussedasking the City for an allocationof money. Money will be neededfor signage,working with the Bayside Trail design team and creating signagein Tommy's Park. Dan askedthe group for consensusregardingincorporatingCoretta Scott King into the naming of the plaza. Members felt the plaza should be named for only Martin Luther King and that a gardenwithin the plaza should be named for Coretta King. JonathanReitman suggestedthat somethingbe shown at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfastin Januaryregardingthe memorial to get the public involved. City staff will be writing a draft report and recommendationsto be presentedto the full Council. Task Force memberswill.approvethe report beforeit goesto Council. A motion was made for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Task Force to approve creating a report for the City Council recommendingBayside Trail for the MLK memorial, creating a commission to implement the short and long term componentsand to ask for an allocation of seed money to fund the work of the commission. Moved by Sarah Thompson,secondby ReginaMartin. PASSEDunanimously. Meetingadjournedat 9:15 a.m. MARTIN LUTHER K[NG, JR., TASK FORCE MEETING Wednesday, November 21, 2008 Room 209 - City Hall Noon ATTENDANCE: Co-Chairs,CouncilorDan Skolnik, RachelTalbot Ross;members: Rabbi Carolyn'Braun,Abe Peck,Dawud Ummah, Bill Nelligan,ZannahFord; and staff PatFinnigan. The meeting was called to order at 12:10 p.m. Councilor Dan Skolnik welcomed membersand gave an overview of the work done thus far including the conclusionsof the Task Force meeting on November 19. RachelTalbot Ross updatedthe memberson the BaysideTrail meetingon Saturday,November 22"dat 12:30p.m. and the importance of the Task Force membersparticipating in that so ensurethe MLK Plaza concept would move forward. Rachel and Dan recappedthe discussionand conclusionsof the Task Force membersat the meeting held on Nov. 19. The membersheld a very enthusiasticdiscussionof the possibilitiei. Abe Peck noted the need to build coalitions including K-IZ and college students. Rabbi Braun noted the importanceof bringing the project to the community as a conceptso peoplewould feel welcometo participateit its designand development.The membersdiscussedthe conceptof having an MLK Centerwhich could be an incubatorof economic developmentand teachingskills for sustainabledevelopment. The members agreedthat this effort neededto be on-going and grow over time. They concurred with the recommendationsreached at the Nov. 19 meeting. On a Motion by Zannah Ford, secondedby Rabbi Braun, the Task Force voted unanimouslyto develop a report to the City Council recommendingthe BaysideTrail as the site of the MLK memorial, creating a commission to implement the short and long term components, and request an allocationof seedmoney to fund the work of the commission. PASSED unanimously. The meetingadjournedat 1:20p.m