Riding home with my friend on Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive
from several meetings in downtown Atlanta, my friend driving, and I giving
directions, unexpectedly, we were forced to make a sharp detour from what was
the most expedient route, Martin Luther King, Jr.
Drive near the Georgia Dome. The abrupt detour of the street greatly
annoyed me, but I overcame my annoyance.
This morning after I read a report on Facebook (link posted at end of article). I had a flashback of my ride home from downtown. After reading The Saporta Report
about the realignment of Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, a new sea of emotions
engulfed me. I did not get angry, but I felt a sense of dismay that important,
sacred places and sacred symbols were being desecrated and violated.
Three Churches have been lost. Morning Star was torn down to make place
for the present Georgia Dome. Mount
Vernon Church (and School) and Friendship Baptist Church are slated to be
demolished for a VIP parking garage. Now, what is the eventual fate of the Central
United Methodist Church, The Mitchell Street Central Methodist Episcopal (CME) Church and The Phyllis Wheatley Young Women's Christian Association
(YWCA)?
The actualization of justice, peace and the actualization of civil
and equal rights for all peoples throughout the world are symbolic of the DREAM
given to the world by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The DREAM is being tarnished by the lack of
respect and by the removal of the physical representations, these symbols that
helped to make Atlanta a world-class city. Replacing blight with safe and
affordable neighborhoods for all regardless of race, age, sex, ethnic origin,
religion is a credible and noble DREAM that should not be tainted. Shiny
new skyscrapers, lavish new sports arenas and new buildings are important parts
of a community, but the conscience of people is required to build strong and
vibrant neighborhoods. Strong and vibrant neighborhoods are required to build a
strong Atlanta. Vibrant and connected cities and communities will make
Georgia a strong STATE. What will we do to become a CITY with a
Conscience? Will Atlanta's leaders
become DREAM KEEPERS and DREAM MAKERS? Have
we become a Community of DEAL MAKERS AND DREAM BREAKERS? Will the deals
surrounding sports arenas cause the Phoenix to destruct beyond its ability to
resurrect?
