Muncie Times, Muncie, Delaware County, 25 January 2007 — Page 12

Page 12 • The Muncie Times • January 25, 2007

continued from page 11 The issue of renaming Broadway to Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard is one that is full of heated debate. The city of Muncie has been divided with their opinions on the renaming. Some encouraged the renaming, believing it should be done, but others opposed it, thinking that it shouldn’t happen. While some believe that the racial aspects are what matter in this issue, others have put their businesses first. I believe that the renaming of Broadway to

Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard is a wonderful idea and should be respected by people of all walks of life. Randall Sims, president of the Whitely Neighborhood Council, stated that he feels “{MLK Jr. Boulevard} needs to be a more visible thoroughfare...It is now out in the boondocks.” I believe that Randall Sims is right; the overpass, currently MLK Jr. Boulevard, is so far out of public life that people aren’t appreciating what Martin Luther King Jr. did for every

American such as you and me with his “I Have a Dream” speech and movement. The conflict of the renaming process is one of heated discussion and the conflict has led to multiple debates and public dealings as well. The community is split when it comes to how they feel. Most believe that it should be done and that MLK Jr. deserves more tribute and respect than just a small overpass. Also, others believe that renaming Broadway would cause too many problems for them because that would

mean that they would have to adjust all of their mailing items, signs, and so much more. To those, it is a hassle, but to others, it’s more of a racial conflict than anything else. In a Star Press article published on April 27, 2003, the writer spoke of how different the reaction of the renaming has been than what was actually expected of the community. The writer wrote: “It is not a popular idea within all of Muncie. Ideally, such a move should promote unity, not division. Several cities have called

it unnecessary and superfluous; some have said King would be embarrassed by the idea.” The idea of renaming Broadway is not a happy one in Muncie, but I believe that it is the right one for the community and that it should be done without protest. It is a great idea and shows that we honor what King did for the people of the United States and how he changed many lives through the actions of his own.

Jordan Delk and Blair Broussard’s thoughts on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Jordan Delk, 18, Burris High School: The name of Dr. King invokes for me the thought of cultural revolution. He stepped up, putting himself by the wayside and represents everything America should be. Dr. King challenges us to yet adapt to change and not continue to live on our ancestors' beliefs and being unfair. He showed us how to live in harmony and the holiday celebrates what he did for us. I think we should promote stepping up to change whatever negatives may be in our situation. Change something that you see is wrong and not just based on race. Do whatever it takes to help improve your situation and help others. Yes, I do think that Dr. King would see progress because there have been a lot of societal changes, but there is still a lot of stereotyping with other cultures beside African Americans such as Mideastern and Hispanic people. I think Dr. King would see that as a step backward. I think that Dr. King is a national hero. I understand the importance of changing Broadway to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. I completely support the change because he was one of the best persons in our history and it is well worth it to honor him in this way. We would do the same for George Washington or Thomas Jefferson. I don’t think we should do any less for Dr. King.

Blair Broussard, 18, Burris High School: The word that comes to mind is greatness. From the African American standpoint, Dr. King did so much going to great lengths to fight for justice and equality. I think this is one of the top honors for someone of his caliber to receive and words can’t really explain how really great he was in all that he did for us. I think it is good to attend the activities such as the programs at Ball State University and learn more about Dr. King, read about his work, have a service to honor him and hear from people who know or are related to him to share his life story. One thing we can all do and I try to do personally is to treat everyone equally and with respect. Don’t treat people differently based on skin color, beliefs or disabilities. I try to see people based on their character and personality. I try to see everyone equally. I think that progress has made to a certain extent but people are still targeted by prejudices. I think that’s been especially true in the past couple of years with the war going on for people who are Islamic in this country for example. I believe that naming Broadway Dr.Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard is another way of honoring a great man. I know there was a big controversy over the name change but the previous street was not in the core of town. I think being located in a well traveled area is important to showing respect for the work Dr.. King did for all people.