In what was described as “a long time coming”, the landscaped plaza at the southeast corner of West Commerce and W. Austin Avenue was dedicated as the Martin Luther King, Jr. Plaza by the City of Brownwood.
Other cities have honored Dr. King with naming various streets, bridges, and plazas in their cities; however, Brownwood had not honored Dr. King in such a way until now. In fact, 2011 marked the first time in history that the City of Brownwood had recognized Dr. King.
“It’s been a long time coming,” stated Mayor Haynes. “It’s all together fitting and proper to give recognition where recognition is due.”
Haynes spoke of the contribution Dr. King had on the nation, state and, the city in teaching people the political process. He did this through peaceful means and with dignity, as an example to all citizens explained Haynes.
Councilman Draco Miller recounted a little history about Dr. King’s life. He devoted his life to strengthening the content of American character and called on the nation to live up to its founding principles of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for all of its citizens. Dr. King died leading one of the greatest movements of equality and freedom in history before being assassinated on April 4, 1968 in Memphis, TN.
“This dedication is a fitting tribute to Dr. King,” said Miller who gave thanks to the City of Brownwood, the citizens present for the ceremony and also to the Texas Department of Transportation.
Carol Spratt was present at the dedication ceremony and stated that she was pleased that Dr. King was honored today.
“I am so glad that it’s finally been done for a man who changed the course of history, it should have been done long ago,” said Spratt.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011 the city council voted to amend the landscape agreement with TxDOT to add the letters “Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza” to the decorative brick at the southeast corner of West Commerce Street at West Austin Avenue.
Pictured above are Mayor Stephen Haynes and Councilman Draco Miller at the Dedication of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Plaza in Brownwood.
Below are a video and pictures of the event.
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The dedication was a happy event for those in attendance.
Mayor Haynes speaking with Sgt. Robert Spratt of the Texas State Guard.
Mayor Haynes pictured at the plaza with children who attended the event with their parents, Elvie & Dekithaia Brown. Pictured from left to right are: Samyra Brown (4), Asiah Dixon (4), Raven Brown (6), and Joshua Brown (10).
