HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024.08.05 Council Mtg Public Comments from I Brown Sr.Us, -
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Call to Action: Support the Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Center in Pasco, WA
Dear; City Staff, Council Members, Mayor Serrano, and City Manager Mr. Lincoln
I want to open my comments by first saying that this approach is not to separate, divide, or cause
disparities towards anyone or organizations. Instead, I am asking for the opportunity to have a
transparent and respectful conversation regarding the MLK Center, and yes, the reallocation of
funds to the Boys and Girls Club.
Mr. Brian Ace, the Executive Director of the Boys and Girls
Club, and I had a great conversation. The NAACP aims to
understand how and why the City of Pasco's reallocation of ARPA funds happened as it
did. I am pleased to say that Bian and are on
the same page and unified in our understanding and respect for communities and our youth.
For decades, the Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Center in Pasco, WA, has stood as a beacon of
hope and support for our conununity. From the challenging times of sundown cities to the
present day, the Center has been a cornerstone for many, offering vital services to our
marginalized communities, for these reasons, we need to work together as a community, city
staff, city council, and most of our funding organizations. The goal is NOT to take away
funding from other qualified organizations but to create conversation to be fully inclusive
in the decision making, with better options.
In the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream of standing together in love and equality, we
call upon you to support the MLK Center. This Center is not just a building; it is a symbol of our
collective commitment to justice, equality, and community solidarity.
The MLK Center needs your immediate support for much -needed funding to continue its
mission. Your contributions will enable the Center to:
Provide essential services to those in need
• Offer educational programs and resources
• Foster a sense of community and belonging
• Continue to be a safe haven for our marginalized populations
Dr. King's dream was for us to stand together, and now, more than ever, we need to show our
unity and dedication to this vision. By supporting the MLK Center, you are not only helping to
carry out the Dream of unity but also demonstrating that our community works in solidarity.
Please consider the following:
• Bring this item back for discussion at a workshop meeting
• Advocating for the MLK Center.
• Ensure that funds are distributed equally to all community organizations that qualify.
• Reach out in detail to the community regarding the Martin Luther King Jr. Center as it
goes through much needed renovations.
• Continued efforts to search for funding that sustains the MLK center for years to come
Explain:
• Why has the renovation not started on the MLK Center? There is funding set at approx.
6.5 million, but we are paying survey fees, etc. with deadlines approaching to spend or
return the funds if i am correct.
• Was the Boys and Girls Club under the impression that the 1.26 was guaranteed and
written in the allocation?
• Was the Boys and Girls Club ready to move on the project because they had already
spent public and private funds with the understandingthattheyrecive said funds?
• Why were there no options provided to ensure all facilities could possibly receive
funding out of the 1.26, but again the entire 1.26 was reallocated to the Boys and Girls
Club?
Thank you for your continued support and commitment to malting Dr. King's dream a reality in
our community with us all working together in solidarity and equality.
Respectfully,
Irving L. Brown Sr. and Community
President, NAACP TRI-CITIES, WA Chapter 11 S5-B
irving@naacptricitieswa.org