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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMEMORIAL INFORMATION Thursday, April 9, 2009 the Cedar Valley Civil Rights Memorial Committee hosted an "unveiling of the Cedar Valley Martin Luther King, Jr. "Peace Walk" Memorial. On this evening a special presentation by Mudd Advertising and ARTS Architects showcased the Martin Luther King Jr. "Peace Walk" Memorial in a new marketing format called "Hypercasting". Created and developed by Mudd Advertising, the "Hypercasting Technology" is innovative in the advertising industry and debuted for the first time at this event. The MLK Jr. "Peace Walk" Memorial is in honor of the late Civil Rights Leader, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and commemorates Dr. King's historical visit to Iowa November 10, 1959. Waterloo resident and Civil Rights Activist Anna Marie Weems arranged Dr. King's trip to Iowa. November 10, 1959, Ms. Weems arrived with Dr. King at the Waterloo Municipal Airport from Washington, DC. This trip would be Dr. King's first and only visit to Iowa in his lifetime. Dr. King and Ms. Weems were invited to the White House to serve on a presidential labor committee under President Dwight D. Eisenhower. It was during a break of their committee meeting that Ms. Weems shared with Dr. King the racial and civil rights climate in Iowa. It was this conversation that prompted Ms. Weems to invite Dr. King to Iowa. Ms. Weems, despite receiving numerous death threats and negative criticism, secured speaking engagements, appearances and introductions for Dr. King in the Cedar Valley. Once in Iowa, Dr. king was taken to several venues where the people of Iowa could see and hear the "preacher and civil rights leader" from Atlanta, Georgia. Prior to Dr. king's visit, Iowans had limited or no information about Dr. King's message of"non violent resistance." March 2008, just weeks before the nation would remember the 40t"anniversary of Dr. King's assassination, Ms. Weems organized a committee of Cedar Valley leaders from all disciplines to build a memorial in Waterloo, Iowa to commemorate Dr. King's Iowa visit, and to acknowledge and honor King's legacy and contributions. The proposed "Peace Walk" will be the first memorial honoring Dr. King in the State of Iowa and is the only architectural memorial of its kind in the world. The MLK, Jr. Peace Walk Memorial Park description and details are amazing and thoughtful in consideration of Dr. King's visit to the Cedar Valley, his many contributions to the national and international communities and the timeless impact his legacy continues to afford all. Waterloo, Iowa has the distinction of the city in Iowa with the highest concentration of African-Americans and Minorities in the state and the most diverse city in Iowa. Waterloo's combined distinctions and its unique and unsuspecting Civil Rights history proves an ideal location for the Martin Luther King "Peace Walk" Memorial. Washington Park and the Historic Landscape -Thomas Connors,Associate Professor of History, University of Northern Iowa Together with Lincoln Park on the northeast, Washington Park anchors Waterloo's historic downtown to the southwest. Despite their origins relatively early in the city's history,today both parks show the marks of development typical of urban municipal parks in the United States. The landscape of these parks exhibits mid to late twentieth century modern design in virtually every detail: modern tables and benches, lighting, and curbing, concrete and asphalt walks straight across grass lawns, and small flower beds among widely spaced mature trees. Lincoln's central Rust Plaza dates from 1985, for example. This park has lately found a new function as a setting for festival gatherings,reflecting its proximity to a cluster of restaurants and pubs. It also welcomed a new modern sculpture (2004)that is tied to its name. The recent history of Lincoln Park shows it evolving to complement the revival of that end of Fourth Street,which is exactly what successful urban parks do. This kind of change is common even in the most historic park landscapes we have. Tourists in Central Park seek out the memorial to John Lennon in Strawberry Fields. Chicagoans cross from the new Millennium Park on a wildly twisting bridge to the post-modern Petrillo Music Shell in historic Grant Park. London's Kensington Gardens added a water feature that honors Princess Diana. Four of the most popular monuments on the National Mall in Washington(FDR, Vietnam, Korea, and World War II) are less than 30 years old—even the landscape of the Mall itself as we know it is less than a century old. The next monument to be constructed there will be for Dr. King. In summary, great municipal parks change over time to sustain their function as community amenities, to reflect the environment surrounding them, and many do so while retaining their overall historic landscape. In contrast with its twin, Washington Park shows what happens when a park does not respond to its surroundings. Its origins go back to Waterloo's founding Mullan family, who set aside the land for use as a park before the Civil War. Today the park sits between the three main buildings comprising the Grout Museum District, an institution that has seen spectacular development in recent decades. By contrast,the park's lawns and trees are maintained, otherwise it appears neglected and unused,rough around the edges. Its asphalt walks are crumbling. The principal historic structure and landscape is a Japanese teahouse pavilion, erected some years after World War II. The pavilion is in repair, but the water feature has not functioned for many years. The origin of this ensemble is interesting,the pavilion was built by a Japanese architect who had found success in Waterloo and wanted in part to honor the contributions and struggles of Japanese Americans during the war The Japanese garden surrounding it dates from 1964, as may be gleaned from the park's sole historic marker, a tiny plaque near a commemorative bench. All said, Washington Park as it exists today makes a good case for a walkway reasonably close to what has been proposed. The proposal does not alter the overall landscape design of lawn and mature trees. It does not interfere with the most historic features in the park,the pavilion and Japanese garden,which its proponents hope to restore. By contrast,the walkway would enhance the multicultural message initiated by the Japanese pavilion's construction and reach out to the new populations in the Church Row neighborhood. It would also complement the educational functions of the Grout Museum District,providing a connecting point between its attractions and creating an outdoor setting for talks. The reflective design would seem about ideal to bring new life to a park that seems to have lost its function, and that now better echoes the no man's land created by the 218 overpass below it than it does the Grout and Church Row cultural district. It's hard to think of better place for the walk in Waterloo than this: an educational cultural district directly linked to King's historic visit with a strong potential for foot traffic. As attractive as locations along the river might appear,plans for its development do not provide an appropriate setting for the walk. The commemorative area developed along the river for Vietnam veterans, for example,provides problematic contrasts to King's outspoken opposition to that war. Likewise,the planned and existing recreational and festive entertainment venues along the river would conflict with the contemplative nature of the walk. Sites beyond the downtown area will not generate the foot traffic that would be needed to sustain the walk. Moving it away from the city center also reflects badly on the city. Tucking King Drives into African American neighborhoods has already become a national joke(almost everyone under 40 can identify it as a Chris Rock routine), so few cities have gone to build their King memorials away from the city center. Certainly there is room for compromise on the walk's design,which has in many ways only been sketched out. The walkway might be thinner, leave a much smaller footprint on the upper park, or be routed more directly along an existing pathway. The entry point could tie more closely with the park's history and veterans museum by honoring Washington as bridge between war and peace, and a link to King's message of freedom and liberty. The design could tie more directly with the Japanese pavilion without intruding on its historic landscape (although it does not interfere in its current design). The proposed timeline might record landmark dates in the history of American liberty and Black Hawk County's growth, celebrating the diversity of those who came to the Cedar Valley to pursue freedom and placing King's visit at the center of an on- going national and local narrative. The timeline can leave room for future events in this chronology, underlining that this is an unfinished story. Washington Park offers the perfect place for such a walk. From a museum of history, one walks through the past to the present, ending on the ridge overlooking downtown and contemplating the future before the Imaginarium. Surely, Dr. King's message to us here is to work this issue out,to determine a way forward that brings us together and builds a better community. This walk gives us a chance to revive and enhance a venerable park without interfering with its historic landscape. The committee has spent a great deal of time exploring alternative sites in Waterloo, but nowhere else in the city is anywhere as suitable,the others being too remote or situated in environments with atmospheres that conflict with the contemplative and educational tone of the walk. In life, King's successful campaigns ended when everyone sat down and worked out a solution. Today, his memorial's proponents and representatives of the city and neighborhood should find a way to craft a design for this memorial that respects the park's history and honors King's visit. Let's find a way to extend his memory the same warm welcome he received on Church Row a half century ago. • REPLY To: REPLY TO: ❑ 135 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING ❑ 103 FEDERAL COURTHOUSE BUILDING WASHINGTON,DC 20510-1501 320 6TH STREET (202)224-3744 Sioux CITY,IA 51101-1244 e-mail:grassley.senate.gov/contact.cfm • (712)233-1860 ❑ 721 FEDERAL BUILDING United tates senate ❑ 210 WATERLOO BUILDING 210 WALNUT STREET 531 COMMERCIAL STREET DES Mower,IA 50309-2140 CHARLES E.GRASSLEY WATERLOO,IA 50701-5497 (5151288-1145 (319)232-6657 ❑ 150 1ST AVENUE NE WASHINGTON,DC 20510-1501 ❑ 131 WEST 3RD STREET SUITE 325 SUITE 180 CEDAR RAPIDS,IA 52401 DAVENPORT,IA 52801-1419 (319)363-6832 (563)322-4331 October 29, 2011 ❑ 307 FEDERAL BUILDING 8 SOUTH 6TH STREET COUNCIL BLUFFS,IA 51501-4204 (712)322-7103 Dear Friends: You might have heard me say that representative democracy is a two-way street. Elected officials must listen to their constituents, and the citizens must voice their concerns, interests, and views to their elected representatives --the better the dialogue, the stronger the democracy. This year, the participants of representative democracy received new inspiration to continue the dialogue. Our nation unveiled a monument to Martin Luther King Jr., one of our greatest communicators who gave voice to the promise of our country not yet fulfilled for many of her citizens. The Dr. King memorial will be a site of special visits for many Americans to the nation's capital, yet it's not necessary to visit the memorial to draw inspiration from the man it represents. Iowans are able to draw inspiration from Dr. King's November 10, 1959, visit to Waterloo, where plans are under way to memorialize the visit and the legacy of this great leader. As The Washington Post put it regarding the memorial in the nation's capital, Dr. King is memorialized for much more than his individual accomplishments. He's also honored for his "ideals that helped mend the wrongs of American history and that inspired people throughout the world." It's my pleasure to congratulate you on the Second Annual Cedar Valley Martin Luther King Jr. Peace Walk. Your participation in the public discourse is the core of democracy. Your Senator, uck Grassley Committee Assignments: RANKING MEMBER, CO-CHAIRMAN, JUDICIARY AGRICULTURE INTERNATIONAL NARCOTICS BUDGET CONTROL CAUCUS FINANCE PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER JESSE L. JACKSON, JR. COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS 2ND DISTRICT, ILLINOIS SUBCOMMITTEES: EALTH AND (Congress of Or Unita #tatis HUMANBSERFVICES-EDUCATION FOREIGN OPERATIONS, EXPORT FINANCING iqouse of + Inv:iFntatives AND RELATED PROGRAMS ttsilingtnn, Dot 20515-1302 October 28, 2011 The Cedar Valley Civil Rights Peace Walk Committee c/o: Frieda Weems 635 Independence Avenue Waterloo, Iowa 50703 Dear Martin Luther King, Jr. Peace Walk Memorial Committee: Historically, November 10, is a day packed with memorable people and events. On this date the Protestant reformer, Martin Luther, was born (1483); the actor Richard Burton was born (1925); the comedian Sinbad was born (1955); American writer Norman Mailer died (2007); California politician Augustus Hawkins, author of the Humphrey-Hawkins Full Employment Act, died (2007); and the South African singer and anti-apartheid activist, Miriam Makeba died (2008). On November 10, 1959,the Ford Motor Company announced the discontinuation of its unpopular Edsel; and U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower dedicated the U.S. Marine Corp's Iwo Jima Memorial in Arlington National Cemetery. But nothing was more important to the people of Iowa than the first and only visit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to their state in Waterloo, Iowa on November 10, 1959. When Anna Marie Weems - a leader, political and civil rights activist in her own right- says come, even Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. had to say, "OK, Anna, anything you say." But Anna Marie Weems didn't conclude after Dr. King's visit that, "I've done my part, it's time to rest." No, she has continued to fight for her moral vision, continued her activism and continued her concern for the disenfranchised, the poor and those people who continue to be discriminated against. In 2008, Ms. Weems organized a multi-racial and multi-disciplined committee of Cedar Valley leaders and challenged them to build a memorial in Waterloo to honor Dr. King's visit to Waterloo, Iowa on November 10, 1959. The result is the beautiful and inspiring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Peace Walk Memorial Park. By opening your memorial on April 9, 2009, the Cedar Valley Civil Rights memorial Committee even beat the unveiling of the National Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, which just held its official ceremony on October 16, 2011. The Waterloo Dr. King Memorial will help to keep his dream and legacy of peace and justice alive. For that you are to be highly commended. Two quotes from Dr. King's National Memorial summarize for me his commitment to peace and to justice and remain a challenge for all of us: 2419 RAYBURN HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING 7121 S.YATES BLVD. 17926 SOUTH HALSTED WASHINGTON,DC 20515-1302 CHICAGO,IL 60649 HOMEWOOD,IL 60430 (202/225-0773 17731 734-9600 (7081 798-6000 THIS MAILING WAS PREPARED, PUBLISHED, AND MAILED AT TAXPAYER EXPENSE The Cedar Valley Civil Rights Peace Walk Committee Page Two October 28, 2011 • "If we are to have peace on earth, our loyalties must become ecumenical rather than sectional. Our loyalties must transcend our race, our tribe, our class, and our nation; and this means we must develop a world perspective." (24 December 1967, Atlanta, GA) • "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly." (16 April 1963, Birmingham, AL) Again, congratulations to the committee on your wonderful achievement in Waterloo, Iowa. Sincerely, J Jesse L. Jackson, Jr. Member of Congress Deborah L.Berry ` ; r STATE REPRESENTATIVE 1„ COMMITTEES I Twenty-second District Statehouse: (515)281-3221 '11100A--1 (JB '� 1 1 j`` Appropriations, e-mail—deborah.berry@legis.state.ia.us — P_Iv{ , = -i Community Outreach�' a' ' :�-a' Commerce HOME ADDRESS Government Oversight 241 Madison Street Boost of fatprestntatiuts Public Safety, Vice Chair Waterloo,IA 50703 Home:(319)233-9934 State of Iowa Eighty-Second General Assembly STATEHOUSE Bea Moines, Jtnua.511319 Thursday, June 28, 2012 Mrs. Anna Weems Ms. Frieda Weems 635 Independence Avenue Waterloo Iowa 50703 Dear Mrs. Weems and Frieda: It is with great pleasure that I write this letter of support for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Peace Walk Memorial Project. Because of your dedication,Waterloo, the Cedar Valley and the State of Iowa will have an opportunity to join the ranks of other national efforts in memorializing the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., one who fought for truth and justice for all Americans. In August 2011,the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial was unveiled in Washington,DC. With this memorial being the first memorial on the National Mall to be dedicated to a non-president and person of color, I am certain that the Martin Luther King,Jr. Peace Walk Memorial will garner the same level of support and pride for the citizens of Iowa. Therefore, I endorse your project and would like to thank your committee for their hard work and tireless effort put forth in the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Peace Walk Project; a project that will live on for generations to come. Si cerely c Deborah L. Berry Iowa House of Representatives House District 22 • TT-TT NOR - 1- .y^ „tea•`a y:: (1 • of y'1•a erlo ' \\9 .� `...aL�' f�.4er�. 9 pp __ Mulberry Street Waterloo, :Qvd_ ,uj7ri Dear Mr. Mayor :anti ` Ot7 cil Members: has been brouuht to our attention that _"'ve, the vast several n.ort__s there has been discussion of nui lding a lv a-= . Cher In: j7 Memorial - =!t ann Peace Wa — the r,- on Waterloo. We believe this memorial will be verY inspirational and e i?catioPai to the people of Waterloo and _c-wa as a vv_iole. We write to express our strong suoport for this initiative. v_ 'ars a5Q. Dr. King personal?: visited - ,atesioo and Wasbi Q Park... making additional stops at Waterloo 'vest = go Scnool µin the lcvva State Teachers Colle_e v,-ucn we now ic_110w as the University of NorthernIowa. This t.ir000sed memorial :lla honor of Dr. King is ".Seat- way to Jronoerhora-e _,:S courage =storicnl accomplishments, and his visit tne area. while. s '") e: r:` "G i_rh,, intent of__"e Grout M u,z u^' -- -'_---t;T_i_ca' District.r tior' o;positive cts - or=_ placement of memorial would have a The .,�t��'Ji=�a� _ �_ Q Z�_,�c _ gleaned -- the c�- --t this net impact onWaterloo a�C iow= _ ever_z-oN:ra economy. Although there is also a eta_iri !,utter K i'-G Memorial it Gl` \afro s capitol, the placement or this Darr and Peace Walk ')7\%ate,ioQ a1_P_--\;.;, for _closer option that Iowans_ ard people iom all over the Midwestest could enjoy. We wish you the best with !our continued. deliberations and we iiobk forward to the posit ve ',impact this memorial would bring to Waterloo and Iowa. • Sricereiv • ranstad KimReynolds Governor i.._. Governor Greetings, Frieda. Thought I would send you a copy of the article I wrote this week for our church newsletter... Last Friday evening, I rode in a parade through the streets of downtown Waterloo. I saw some of you along the route: Lee Jensen and all the Prescotts, Kurt Kaliban, and Grant and Klara Hornung. It was a beautiful early summer evening, a great night for a parade. It was, of course, the My Waterloo Days parade. I rode in a black Toyota convertible with Frieda and Anna Mae Weems, invited to join them as a board member of the Cedar Valley Civil Rights Peace Walk Memorial Committee. This committee exists to promote the development of a Peace Walk memorial to Martin Luther King, Jr. in Washington Park, to commemorate Dr. King's visit to Waterloo in 1959 and to serve as a symbol of our community's commitment to peace in the midst of an often fragmented and divisive society. Thousands of Waterloo's residents lined the streets of the parade route, watching and waving and cheering, and it was a thrill for us in the car, having the advantage of moving among all of them, to appreciate the scope and diversity of the crowd. We have a beautiful city! We are an emblem, a case in point, of the melting pot that is our nation. The parade brought together, side-by-side, rich and poor, mayors and street people, young children and old men, African-Americans and Bosnians and Africans and Hispanics and European-Americans. For a few moments, we existed, not in our isolated and separated neighborhoods and working places, but together, all of us sharing a parade, all of us sharing this beautiful summer evening. It was a glimpse of what we arc, as a community, as a people, a glimpse that convinces me all the more of the appropriate purpose of a memorial, a peace memorial to Martin Luther King, and of the honor it would be to have it here, in our neighborhood. Don Damon said he saw me that night in a TV report about the parade. He scolded me because I wasn't smiling. Sorry, Don!But I am smiling now as I think about that parade and about all the people, all God's beautiful children, I saw along the way... Tim Ensworth ��t\ CON,. i;` 'ems' 't, J U d 9 ! ) I ii ATTNE LORRAINE MOTEL October 26, 2011 To: Ms. Freida Weems Mrs Anna Marie Weems The leadership and planning committee members of the Martin Luther King,Jr. Peace Walk Memorial It is never too late to recognize good. In an era when good deeds are too rarely recognized and celebrity status reins, it is laudable that you have recognized perhaps the most clarion voice for moral consciousness and citizenship participation the 20th century ever produced—Dr. Martin Luther King,Jr. The National Civil Rights Museum, whose mission is, in part, to preserve and interpret the history of civil rights struggle and those who sacrificed to create a more perfect union for all of America's citizens has also charged itself with inspiring all who come though our doors to continue the work that is necessary to establishing a non-violent world—one family, one community, one city at a time. Our collections include a wide range of objects and materials culture. Nearly every item is donated from the homes and personal archives of the everyday people who recognized that though our station in life was meager; our contributions to America are significant. The Lorraine Hotel, a once dilapidated structure now stands as a monument to peace,justice and equality. And so it is with the Peace Walk Memorial. Congratulations on your achievement. Like Dr. King's imprint on our hearts, may the Memorial last throughout eternity. We encourage you to continue to recognize and preserve history—it occurs every day—in both small and large ways. Seek ways to include teachable moments, recognize the unlikely leaders and heroes among us,demonstrate the value of every person to our shared destiny and hoped for dreams, share what you know with others and finally, We invite you to visit the National Civil Rights Museum and to connect with us on the web. It is good to know you are out there, Cedar Valley, preserving history and celebrating the legacy of Martin Luther King,Jr. Our best wishes. We look forward to visiting one day. / 3c lrct a.A laci e.wk ,; Director of Education DesTinaTi©n DC , M y ELLIOTT L. FERGUSON President&CEO October 27, 2011 Frieda A. Weems 635 Independence Avenue Waterloo, Iowa 50703 Dear Frieda Weems: Thank you for your letter and the invitation to stress how impactful the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial has been to the landscape of Washington, DC. I strongly believe that the Cedar Valley MLK, Jr. Peace Walk Memorial will be a great addition to the state of Iowa. Your contribution to the planning and development of this park is commendable. After many years of planning, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial was unveiled in Washington, DC in August of this year. The official dedication ceremony, attended by President Barack Obama, was held on October 16, 2011. This memorial is both the first memorial on the National Mall to be dedicated to a person of color, and the first to be dedicated to a non-president. Indeed, in story and spirit this is a major landscape change for Washington, DC. Destination DC worked together with our local government and area businesses, as well as the independent Memorial Foundation to market the dedication of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. In support of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial dedication, Destination DC worked diligently to create unique packages for visitors, secure editorial coverage, and create a unique visitors guide as a keepsake. Collaborative efforts remain key to drawing visitors to Washington, DC. The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial continues to inspire an influx of visitors,resulting in increased revenue for hotels,restaurants, and local businesses throughout the city. On behalf of Destination DC, I wish you all the best in turning your laudable dream for the Cedar Valley MLK, Jr. Peace Walk Memorial into a reality for generations. Sincerely, /lc) 7 -) CM . V _ }µ Elliott L. Ferguson II Destination DC 901 7th Street NW,Suite 400 * Washington,DC 20001 P:202.789.7014 * F:202.488.8590 * C:202.369.9538 oeslinaTionoc.corn elliott.fergusorna destinationdc.com Dedication of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Ken Salazar 10/16/2011 Washington,DC Good morning.On behalf of President Barack Obama and the United States Department of the Interior,I am humbled and honored to celebrate with you the birth of the Dr.Martin Luther King Jr.Memorial on the National Mall as the nation's 395th National Park. I remember vividly the day that Dr.King was assassinated.I was 13 years old,doing chores with my father on our ranch in Colorado when a neighbor delivered the shocking news that he had been shot.We had no telephone or electricity at our ranch,so news came mainly by word of mouth. In the years since that day,I have seen and understood the legacy of Dr.King—that as citizens of Earth we are all one people and have a duty to standup for justice and equality for all. Today,as Secretary of Interior,I have the honor of serving as a custodian of America's history.I have a duty to make sure that all of America's story is told ... and,with the dedication of this memorial,we are honoring a critical chapter in America's story on the march of civil rights and the struggle to create a more perfect union. Dr.King pushed the struggle of civil rights for all people into the consciousness of America and the world.Millions of disenfranchised Americans found new hope,dignity and opportunity to share fully in the blessings of our nation. As I stand here before you,my President,leaders of the civil rights movement,members of the King family,members of Congress and national leaders and dignitaries,I feel indebted to those who gave me and so many other Americans the opportunity that had been denied to the generations preceding me. I am also painfully aware that Dr.King's dream of equality and dignity for all people continues to elude us.Discrimination based on race and class is still present in the boardrooms and power centers of America.It is also at the root of the divisive battles over immigration in America. This memorial stands as a testament that Dr.King's struggle for civil rights continues today,and that we share his dream that one day we will all live in a world where there is dignity,respect,and justice for all. When our children and grandchildren visit this place....this memorial....they will share in Dr.King's story,which is the story of America.It is a story that teaches us that individuals—in the face of long odds and centuries of injustice—can summon the courage to change the world. hi Dr.King's own words:"I say to you today,my friends,so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow,I still have a dream.It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream." Thank you. 1 EDrTQRIRL - -- _ _ King 1 mark on er ao _ i 1 n Nov. 10, 1959, ayoung Southernpreacher came to T i� Waterloo.He was unaccus DAVID A. T _ _ tomed to the cold,the corn' _ -_A 0 davidtratort@w � 1 m.unity and the culture.But he was not 1500 given the cold-shoulder. He not only received some warm winter clothes,courtesy of Bur- 291-1445 ton Field of Palace Clothiers,but he TERRY HUDSON,editorial page editor received the warmth and goodwill of terry.hudson@wcfcourier.com 319 291- ___], the community— the entire comma- 1582 = ' _ pity,black and white. T That young black preacher,lacking in wardrobe but overflowing in inspi- — the entire city.According to - 4 ration, charisma,faith and hope was rier files, on Nov. 10,1959,he want the Rev.Dr.Martin Luther King Jr.He at the Waterloo Municipal Airport spoke that cold evening in 1959 at West by a delegation headed by Mayor Ed High School, and the next day at Iowa Jochumsen and escorted by motor State Teachers College,now the Uni- cade to West High where he spoke e versity of Northern Iowa. shared the platform with 25 white and Less than nine years later, on April 4, black business,labor and community_ 1968,the young minister was shot dead leaders during a program emc eed by on a motel balcony in Memphis,Tenn. former mayor and Chamber( f Com In the intervening years,Dr.King merce executive L.A."Pat"T,fuchae. galvanized the American civil rights The drum and bugle corps of the Negro movement.At 35 in 1964,he also Elks also performed. became the youngest person in history Like the rest of America,Waterloo, to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. the Cedar Valley and Northeast Iowa A bust of King sculpted by Water- continue to struggle with issues of loo native John Jago and built into race, creed, color and nationals the podium he spoke at was unveiled our community s ly,p�u Sunday during a 2 p.m.grand opening come to recognize its diversrtr as a of the West's renovated E.W.Kersen- asset, and embrace it,rather this brock Auditorium, completed this it. spring.The bust and podium is placed Maybe that catharsis began on that in a specially designed area of the cold November night in 1959.The _ 4 foyer,remodeled separately from the West High memorial will sere e as a ;11T -_ auditorium. fitting and lasting remembrai.ce to Local labor and civil rights activist that evening when perhaps we begat Anna Mae Weems,who brought King a long journey toward embracing anc and his wife, Loretta,to Waterloo 50 empowering each other — and living years ago after meeting him at a Wash- out the true meaning of the timeless ington,D.C.,conference,was the guest and universal aspiration of everyone,a speaker. stated in our Constitution - "to see =-= King had only begun to achieve the blessings of liberty for ourselves acclaim on that cold November night and our posterity! _= :__ in Waterloo. He had just led a year- As Weems observed last year, on th long boycott of the segregated munici- 40th anniversary of King's_passin pal bus system in Montgomery,Ala. "It is not a race thing.It's justices fit" He received the city's hospitality people." — = 1 ZonrezztonaE R iNh�\ United States t r of America PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE ,(,( [ CONGRESS, FIRST SESSION • House of Representatives HONORING FEMALE CIVIC LEADERS OF WATERLOO (Extensions of Remarks-October 06,2009) [Fage: E2454] HON. BRUCE L. BRALEY OF IOWA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6,2009 Mr. BRALEY of Iowa. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor eight influential women of Waterloo, Ruth Anderson, BJ Furgerson,Joy Lowe, Lou Porter, Dorothy Sallis, Dorothy Turner, Anna Weems and Willie Mae Wright.These women define what it means to be a champion for equal rights. Over the past five decades,these women have helped shape the lives of all residents of Waterloo through their efforts to ensure that equality is attained and maintained. Through their work, the city of Waterloo has become an example of moving beyond what divides the community and instead focusing on what strengthens it. These women have made remarkable strides in bringing forth equality. They were instrumental in bringing Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to their community, establishing and maintaining Iowa's longest running African American radio station, serving in city and county government,working tirelessly to improve the lives of children, and ensuring that the rights of all citizens of Waterloo are honored. Through their work more people are now invested in their communities and giving back to their neighbors. These women have dedicated their lives to bringing about the sort of change that we now recognize as fundamental to a full and vibrant society. They are a constant reminder of how far we have come and that we should all strive for fairness in our work and provide opportunities for all. I am proud to represent these women in Congress and wish the 4. ell in their . ure endeavors. 010'4 141-I~ 40 )/ /A 1#it it Mgt