Its Easier Said Than Done - Naming A Bridge July 31, 2014 at 4:37pm By Adrienne D. Nelson, Citizen Journalist Reported July 21, 2014 After many months of back and forth meetings the idea of renaming a bridge has become a target to honor the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. has finally come up for a final reading to vote on legislation by the Barberton City Council members for renaming a bridge, at first renaming a street, and now its Any Name according to the petitioners opposing the renaming of the Robinson Avenue Bridge. On January 20, 2014, The Barberton Branch NAACP honored the memory and legacy of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial service which paid tribute to his memory commemorating his life and legacy. Nearly 47 years after his death, America has seen some progress in equality with the first African American President, the first Hispanic American Supreme Court Justice, and the first African American Attorney General. Educational opportunities have increased and work place and political leadership are more diverse. But when we consider these facts, its very clear that we still have a long way to go in disparities in incarcerations, economic empowerment, and adequate health care. The Barberton Branch NAACP has been working for social change in the Barberton community for more than 43 years. The NAACP founded February 19, 1909, is the nations oldest, largest, and most widely recognized grassroots based civil rights organizati0on. Its more than half-million members and supporters throughout the United State and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities, campaigning for equal opportunity and conducting voter mobilization. Between 1965 and 1968, Dr. King shifted his focus toward economic justice championing against the Vietnam War. His work in these years culminated in the “Poor Peoples Campaign,” which was a broad effort to assemble a multiracial coalition of impoverished Americans who would advocate for economic change. Dr. Kings outstanding civil rights leadership worked to accomplish what no other has done deserves to be recognized for the sacrifices that the fallen civil rights leader made for a grateful nation than for the community for which we all serve, by honoring a man less than thirteen years of nonviolent leadership ended abruptly and tragically on April 4th, 1968, when he was struck down by an assassins bullet 46 years ago at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee. Who is better than the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. renaming the Robinson Avenue Bridge after him. As predicted by Barberton City Council President, Fred Mauer, what is clear is the process has become controversial. Barbertons elected officials must decide despite the unfolding opposition renaming the Robinson Avenue Bridge to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Bridge or cave into the pressure of the petitioners of a petition made available at the Barberton Herald Weekly Newspaper thats being circulated by said newspaper, Et al. or are they going to rise to the possibility of a higher vision, higher ideals of what things could be for future generations of Barberton. Naming the Robinson Avenue Bridge after Dr. King would leave a profound impression and would have a larger, more impact on future generations of Barberton. Although the thought of naming the bridge after Dr. King doesnt sit well with some citizens, Steve Despot, Bane Raines, and Sandra Grotto. After researching multiple streets the NAACP presented the City with four desirable street possibilities. The initial final choice preferred by the local NAACP was Norton Avenue because it had fewer residential homes on its street as to cause a burden of its residents while memorialize Dr. King. Speaking with occupants on Norton Avenue including the Barberton Board of Education thought it to be a good idea they would support renaming Norton Avenue to Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway. Subsequently after several City Council Streets, Sidewalks, Lighting Committee meetings the idea was debated and tossed around of renaming a street, Norton Avenue. The NAACPS vision was a New Educational Corridor for the City of Barberton as a beacon for education which includes the New High School and Middle School, along the with Stark State College, Barberton Satellite Center (former site of the Ohio National Guard Armory) along with Alcoas Wheel and Transportation Products Division was shot down. Whereas, that had the potential to be contentious when the few businesses along Norton Avenue complained about the cost of having to reprint business materials with their new addresses. With considerable disagreement the idea was floated by Mr. Mauer, and Mayor Bill Judge to name the newly constructed Robinson Avenue Bridge, since its never been officially named; however, it was agreed upon with unanimous consent by the local sponsors of this effort, that is, The Barberton NAACP Branch Officers and Executive At-Large Committee. The thought being it would be less controversial according to the City which the NAACP later agreed. Thus the NAACP sought an alternative proposal to take the path of least resistance forming a diverse coalition with the Ohio State Legislature, other objective minded City Council members from neighboring Akron and Alliance to help understand any legal statues that might be involved in renaming a street [now bridge]. Included were local Faith-Based and Social Service Organizations, and Ministers alike including members of Greater Galilee Baptist Church of Barberton and the Barberton Board of Education School Superintendent, Business Owners and residents who were in agreement with the NAACPS plan. Nonetheless at the next to the last reading of the Second Reading of Ordinances and Resolutions (No. 85-2014); the First Reading was June, 23, 2014, an unknown leading contender in opposition to the current possibility surfaced at Barberton City Council meeting on Monday, July 21, 2014 stating why he was against the idea of naming the Bridge after Dr. King. He admonished the council members present that they should want to bring back civic pride in Barberton by honoring its own. He remarked naming a few honorable mentions, such as a slain Firefighter, another man named Vincent Darren, and Bob Kirskers. His last and final selection of a potential honoree was ANY NAME of an unknown said person. Before taking his seat he brandished a handful of papers reportedly signed petitions spurred on by the Barberton Herald of signatures of over 400 voters who without question universally opposed the naming of the bridge Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. who preferred to simply naming it Robinson Avenue Memorial Bridge. Its one thing to print news but its another thing all together become news but the Barberton Herald decided to take it one step further by featuring a string of negative headlines about the NAACPs request naming a bridge after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Journalists should be free of obligation to any interest other than the publics right to know. By allowing a petition to be circulated at its establishment violates journalism ethics. later said by an anonymous source. If the Barberton Herald is looking for negative stories to make up this citizen journalist can confirm that they are indeed made up. The petitioner, Steve Despots final plea was vehemently rejecting the Barberton NAACPs proposal saying, directly to Council, These are the folk who vote for you, so do the right thing. This Citizen Journalist just sat there and absorbed what was being said by him and other speakers. State Representative Zack Milkovich addressed City Council stating his support for naming the Robinson Avenue Bridge honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King. He said, Dr. King built many bridges for education. Before Representative Milkovich spoke, John Nelson, President of the Barberton NAACP greeting the entire body of City Council and the Mayor by addressing the issue raised by the opposition faction of petitioners, taking a verse from the first speakers antagonism saying that Civic Pride includes inclusiveness not [exclusiveness], and that the City should be willing to make a change. Because theres a bigger picture involved he went on to say, equal rights for all, womens rights, the right to an education for our youth. The thought of doing the right thing was a very true, and noble worth cause upon which all could agree. The bridge is a connection. It connects Robinson Avenue to Wooster Road. It connects people in their everyday commute, shopping, banking, and dining out to one another. It connects downtown, it links North and South. How symbolic to have that kind of connection involving civic pride for all its citizens. On the other hand, the irony is that its always been this way one anonymous bystander said. Where South Barberton residents dont necessarily feel connected to the rest of the city as its mockingly called Snyder Town vs. Across Town, Up Town, etc. Those were sentiments that were expressed after Council adjourned by several of the African Americans present during the City Councils weekly session. An astonishing poignant frequent point that was mentioned by someone was if not now then when? When will the City of Barberton take a stand against unfounded bias and racism? We are at the crossroad between hope and the future of this city having a dream being fulfilled envisioned by Dr. King. If so great a cause as this be neglected when will justice come rolling down like a might stream, and when will a man be judge by the content of his character and not the color of his skin. I concur, If not now then when.... The opposition speaker, Steve Despots comments reflected a hollow tone when he said Any Name as if exasperated shaking his head, waving his arms while thinking of names too many to enumerate of Barbertonians running down a mental checklist that would make a better choice rather than Dr. King. One curious moment came afterwards when yours truly thought of the inference of what those two words really meant. ANY NAME -- represented a mindset of some residents of Barbertons 123 year old racial history. As an afterthought upon recall Mr. Despot even suggested checking with the Barberton Historical Society for a list of prominent Barbertonian personalities and names to be considered of ANY NAME other than Dr. King. With no disrespect this Citizen Journalist didnt think he understood why the Barberton Branch NAACP chose such an undertaking considering the potential and inevitable controversy it would cause. Its because the Barberton Branch NAACP in its 43 year history of being established in Barberton is proud of its focus on community outreach efforts on making a difference in the lives of minority residents in the City of Barberton. It is their goal to engage residents in the community promoting healthy relationships, guidance, mentoring youth, offering character building opportunities and encouraging a sense of compassion for others helping those less fortunate in poverty who face adversity through its mission to ensure the political, educational, and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate racial hatred and racial discrimination. Then these questions have to be asked: Would ANY NAME be a third generation Baptist Reverend? Would ANY NAME be a Morehouse College graduate? Would ANY NAME be a doctor of Divinity? Would ANY NAME be a Nobel Peace Prize recipient? Would ANY NAME lead a movement of Ghandhian non-violence against hatred and racism having police dogs, and fire hoses turned against peaceful demonstrators for freedom against segregationist? Would ANY NAME write a letter from a Birmingham Jail cell that later lead to a march to Washington DC on behalf of jobs, freedom, and injustice with over 200,000 people in attendance? Would ANY NAME fight for anti-poverty efforts and militarism? Would ANY NAME have a vision of Christianity as the most appropriate response to the problems facing African-Americans.? Would ANY NAME become an anti-poverty activist to lobby Washington DC. to improve anti-poverty programs? Would ANY NAME become involved in the Memphis, Tennessee sanitation workers strike that faced an assassins bullet while supporting striking union workers? I ask WHO else deserves such and honor than ANY NAME selection for the final reading of legislation for the City of Barberton City Council members to unanimously vote to pass honoring, naming one of its many landmarks [a bridge] after a fallen NATIONAL hero struck down by an assassins bullet sacrificing his life for his fellow man! Barberton has honored many of its fallen heroes in conflicts of war with a War Memorial at Lake Anna. A Native American Indian stands as a graceful majestic Statue featuring the historic roots of the Ohio Territory. The Citys founder, O.C. Barber, with another statue gracing the eternal annual garden of tulips and mums also at Lake Anna. Shall they then not honor the Rev., Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. who marched across many bridges crossing over to overcome racism, discrimination, segregation, and Jim Crow laws to get to the other side of hope vs. despair to letting freedom ring. I would say so...Hes not just ANY NAME. In the final outcome NAACP President Nelson said, Either way the vote goes will be a win. --------------------------------- Update July 28, 2014: The legislation was withdrawn tonight by Mrs. Carla Debevic, At-Large City Councilwoman, because council didnt want to muddy the waters according to Council President, Fred Mauer, from phone calls they received from protestors against the legislation. It was obvious what the real issue was, it had nothing to do with muddy water. It was about a bridge over troubled water the old fashioned home town spun trouble...
Posted on: Fri, 05 Dec 2014 10:14:34 +0000
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