1/29/2010 - NEWS ADVISORY
City of Portland
389 Congress Street
Portland, Maine 04101
www.portlandmaine.gov
CONTACT: Nicole Clegg, 207-756-8173, 207-272-4477 (cell) nicoleclegg@portlandmaine.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 29, 2010

City Calls on Community to Give Input on MLK Tribute at Bayside Trail
Two public forums provide opportunity for public to voice ideas on how the city can honor Martin Luther King, Jr.

What: In two weeks, the first of two public forums will be held to discuss the creation of the Martin Luther King, Jr. memorial located at the Bayside Trail. The forums, sponsored by the city’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission, will serve as the public’s opportunity to help shape the thematic content of a permanent commemoration honoring the life and achievements of the civil rights leader. City Councilor and co-chair, Dan Skolnik said “I'm excited Portland's memorial to Martin Luther King will be based on input from the community. What better way is there to honor Dr. King than with group collaboration?”
In April 2008, the City Council created the Martin Luther King, Jr. Task Force and charged them with identifying an appropriate location for a memorial and establish guiding principles for the commemoration including connecting Dr. King's belief and legacy to the daily life of the city, and conveying his message of international peace and fundamental fairness to generations to come.

For more information about the forums or the commission, visit online or via email.

Community Forum I
When: Thursday, February 11, 2010
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Where: Maine Historical Society
489 Congress Street, Portland

Community Forum II
When: Thursday, February 25, 2010
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Where: Shaarey Tphiloh Synagogue
76 Noyes Street, Portland

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