Ronzell Buckner
Turn Around Columbus
612 Dirk Way
Columbus, GA 31907
Columbus City Council
Tiny Washington
Clerk of Council
100 10th Street
Columbus, GA
Re: Honorary designation of Rigdon and Illges Roads, Martin Luther King Blvd,
and 10th Street as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Outdoor Learning Center
"We are not makers of history. We are made by history."
Martin Luther King, Jr.
This letter is to serve as a written request for the honorary designation of
Rigdon and Illges Roads, Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. and 10th Street as Dr.
Martin Luther King Jr Outdoor Learning Center. This area runs from Macon Rd. to
the Chattahoochee river, covering almost all aspects of Columbus' history
including over 35 historically significant sites that are essential to
educating our youth and citizenry.
This designation would combine key historic landmarks as well as the black
heritage trail and other historic locations to greatly enhance and expand
historic tourism and educational opportunities. The learning center could serve
as as a catalyst for making Columbus a hands on learning community attracting
additional travelers from around the world to our rich and unique collection of
historic landmarks, locations, and neighborhoods.
Several locations along this route have already provided hands on learning
experiences for Rothschild and George Washington Carver students and teachers,
Turn Around Columbus students and many others. Curriculums on each site are
being developed, additional historic site research is being conducted,
reenactments by students and commemorative events are in the works, as are
trash pickups and identifying plaques and markers sponsored by local businesses
and corporations.
As many of you know, Dr.King spoke in Columbus July 1st 1958 at the Prince Hall
Masonic Lodge. His passion for creating a better world inspired many Columbus
residents to contribute greatly to making Columbus the wonderful city it is and
can be. Naming this Outdoor Learning Center area in honor of Dr.King builds on
his commitment to learning from history and the importance of education. This
honorary designation can be an inspiration for our youth and future generations
to continue Columbus ' great strides as a community for all.
I look forward to any questions or additional information requests you may
have.
Sincerely,
Ronzell Buckner
Turn Around Columbus
"The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think
critically. Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true education."
Martin Luther King, Jr.
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