Muncie Times, Muncie, Delaware County, 20 March 2003 — Page 3

The Muncie Times • March 20, 2003 • Page 3

Bishop Michael continue from front page. be on the agenda. A concern was raised at that meeting over the economic impact of such a change on businesses on Broadway.” “Our interest is not to cripple or do any harm to business on Broadway. Most of these businesses are patronized by African

Americans and belong to our friends. We don’t want this issue to leave a bad taste in anyone’s mouth. We don’t want for it to become a divisive issue. In showing sensitivity to business we are giving them plenty of lead, almost one and a half years, until Martin Luther King Day, 2005. We want for them to

exhaust their stationary and gradually ease into the new name of the street.” Millben said the matter was now in the hands of councilman Murphy who is to see to the drafting of the ordinance and its presentation. “The proposal will be subject to a series of council

meetings and public debate. We want everyone to have an opportunity to be heard and their concerns addressed fully. Members of the Collective Coalition of Concerned Clergy are in agreement that the time has come for proper respect to be shown in memorizing Dr. King and the consensus is on

Broadway. My congregation is totally unanimous on the name change idea and they are also leaning on Broadway. I can see why Broadway found favor because it is more visible, more populous, has more traffic and boarders more neighborhoods, including Whitely,” he said.

Pastor Willie Jackson of Union Missionary Baptist Church Pastor Willie J. Jackson of the Union Missionary Baptist Church, 1103 N. Macedonia applauded •what he called the spirit

Pastor Royce Mitchell of Deliverance Temple

Pastor Charles Coatie of Mt. Calvary C.O.G.I.C

of the movement behind the name change and its motive. “We are recognizing one who was such a benefit not only to the United States, but to the whole world. It is certainly an endeavor worth honoring,” he said. “The criteria should be which street really touches the different sectors of our community, the different cultures and communities, as Dr. King was a blessing to all people and had the desire to unify people. Broadway certainly does Pastor H. Royce Mitchell of the Deliverance Temple, 903 S. -Pershing said the change was somewhat overdue. “It is a very good idea which is sort of overdue. The present location is so inappropriate. It is just a little structure that is so far out of the way. Dr. Pastor Charles Coatie of Mt. Calvary Church of God in Christ, 1524 E. Butler said Muncie should follow the example of other cities. “In most cities I have been to they have it on the main thoroughfares. Dr. King did not just march for black people. He

that. This is also a healthy discussion to have as our community tries to narrow the racial divide and it’s especially good to get businesses involved. One of the things we often talk about is the need for businesses to be actively involved in the fight against racism as some of them perpetuate racism without even being aware of it. I am not saying renaming streets will eliminate racism but it helps to get people to see things from a different perspective,” he said. King deserves better. He is one of the greatest persons that ever lived. My congregation feels the same way as I do. Most African Americans feel the same way. For me, Broadway, or another street that goes through the African American community such as Kirby, will do,” he said. marched for all people. I have talked to some white people who are quite agreeable to the proposal. We need to follow our dreams. We would have never been where we are now if Dr. King had not followed his dream,” he said.

Pastor Eddie Long of Antioch Baptist Church

Pastor Eddie Long of Antioch Baptist Church, 1700 E. Butler expressed his support for the name change and reiterated the concerns raised by Millben over the effect of the move on businesses. “I had a talk with Pastor Millben and

we agreed that we need to show that we are concerned about the business community by waiting for a year or two before making the change permanent. Broadway is a main street that is close to the black community and also the white community. It is the main artery from the community to the downtown and Westside areas. Madison has a whole lot more businesses that would be affected than Broadway. It looks like the city council is in favor of the change too. About 85% of my congregation signed the petition,” he said.

Pastor Charlotte Levi of Paramount Comm. Church

Pastor Charlotte Levi of Paramount Community Church, 1405 E. Willard said it was a wonderful idea to place Dr. King’s name in a different area where it was visible to a lot of people. “He was an

important person and this would be paying homage to someone who has accomplished great things. We are still benefiting from his accomplishments. We want to do our part to show that we are grateful. Broadway to me is just a better location. It has a lot of traffic and people will take note. It will be an upliftment to the community. I would like to see it there. I have faith that this will be accomplished,” she said. See Pastor Lawson on page 4.