Today, Mayor Sly James announced a special group of trusted community members who have been asked to make a recommendation for a Martin Luther King, Jr., designation in the city. James will ask the group to engage the broader community to find a solution that truly honors Dr. King and his ideals of equity and respect and aligns with the City’s long-term planning goals and vision for an inclusive community.
“We all want to honor Dr. King. But rather than allow this issue to divide our city, we need to use this as an opportunity to bring our city together and work collaboratively,” James said. “I’ve asked this group to consider all of our options in finding the best way to honor Dr. King’s legacy.”
The group has been asked to consider this issue, engage the broader community, and after doing so, make a recommendation within 45 days.
The advisory group members are:
- Stanley Archie – Behavioral Consultant
- Jean Paul Chaurand – President, Board of Parks & Recreation Commissioners
- Joanne Collins – former Kansas City Councilwoman
- Wesley Fields – Counsel, Southern Christian Leadership Conference
- Rev. Bob Hill – Minister Emeritus, Community Christian Church; Urban Ranger Corps
- Bob Kendrick – President, Negro Leagues Baseball Museum
- Rev. Modest Miles – Pastor, Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church
- Rev. Donna Simon – Pastor, St. Mark Hope and Peace Lutheran Church
- Eric Wesson – Editor, The Call
- Rev. Rodney Williams – President, NAACP; Pastor, Swope Parkway United Christian Church
- Roger Williams – Principal, Hickman Mills High School
A public schedule of meetings is forthcoming and will be published on the city’s website.
