Despite early criticism, city street honors King
The Traveler Editorial Board
Issue date: 1/16/09 Section: Opinion
Just in time for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Sixth Street was renamed Martin Luther King Boulevard yesterday - on King's birthday - to remember he who changed America forever and whose name has become synonymous with the civil rights movement.
The name change is just one of many symbolic gestures this weekend to remember King and his profound impact. No one, including us, would deny that formally renaming the road Martin Luther King Boulevard - formerly just an honorary title - is a thoughtful and important tribute, one that will help residents remember King's legacy year-round and not just each January. After all, more than 700 other cities have felt the same way, and if anyone deserves the honor, it's certainly King.
Remembering this time last year, however, it must be noted that many residents and businesses along Sixth Street did not feel the name change was financially responsible. The City Council voted for the official name change last January, around the same time it was facing a budget crunch and considering what staples - like the Lights of the Ozarks - could do with less funding. It can be assumed that home and business owners along Sixth Street also were experiencing a strained budget, as, according to a past article in The Morning News, about 70 businesses signed a petition to keep the name as is.
Their primary concern? The thousands of dollars changing the name would cost them and the city of Fayetteville.
We are proud to live in a city that honors and respects King, we greatly appreciate the effort it took to enact this name change and we will joyfully celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day and remember the impact King undoubtedly has had on all of our lives.
Our only wish is that the City Council would have better addressed the financial burden the change caused for the street's many businesses and homes. Maybe then truly everyone could have rejoiced yesterday when Martin Luther King Boulevard was dedicated.
The name change is just one of many symbolic gestures this weekend to remember King and his profound impact. No one, including us, would deny that formally renaming the road Martin Luther King Boulevard - formerly just an honorary title - is a thoughtful and important tribute, one that will help residents remember King's legacy year-round and not just each January. After all, more than 700 other cities have felt the same way, and if anyone deserves the honor, it's certainly King.
Remembering this time last year, however, it must be noted that many residents and businesses along Sixth Street did not feel the name change was financially responsible. The City Council voted for the official name change last January, around the same time it was facing a budget crunch and considering what staples - like the Lights of the Ozarks - could do with less funding. It can be assumed that home and business owners along Sixth Street also were experiencing a strained budget, as, according to a past article in The Morning News, about 70 businesses signed a petition to keep the name as is.
Their primary concern? The thousands of dollars changing the name would cost them and the city of Fayetteville.
We are proud to live in a city that honors and respects King, we greatly appreciate the effort it took to enact this name change and we will joyfully celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day and remember the impact King undoubtedly has had on all of our lives.
Our only wish is that the City Council would have better addressed the financial burden the change caused for the street's many businesses and homes. Maybe then truly everyone could have rejoiced yesterday when Martin Luther King Boulevard was dedicated.
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