MLK Day Plans Include Creation of Colorful Memorial

Residents traveling on South Main and Mason Streets may be treated to a unique site next month, thanks to the a coordinated community initiative which will be brought to life by the creative minds at RiverzEdge.

In honor of Martin Luther King Day, supporters hope to create a colorful memorial and mini-park at the island where the roads intersect. Eye-catching silhouettes of Dr. King surrounded by several other brightly colored busts, along with park benches and improved landscaping are planned for the small area.

The City Council is scheduled to vote on a resolution authorizing creation of the memorial at their meeting this Monday.

The project was designed by Brad Fesmire, a program director at . The MLK Day Planning Committee, which consists of parishioners from and members of several community-based non-profits, approached Fesmire with the idea to create "something different."

"He started having a vision right away," said Woonsocket Police Chief Thomas Carey who has helped to plan the project with the rest of the Martin Luther King Day team. "It's better than the tombstone effect. Instead of just a stone, when you drive by you'll have these colorful silhouettes. I think it will really make people think." 

The steel structures are expected to weigh around 500 pounds apiece and will be virtually indestructible. "It would take semi-truck running into them to knock these over," said Fesmire.

The project would be entirely funded through grants and donations at no cost to the city. Through an impressive level of collaboration by varying organizations, the group hopes to offer a full array of events during the weekend before Jan. 16, 2012, when the civil rights hero is recognized nationally.

On Friday, a banquette at will include entertainment, scholarship awards and an official unveiling of the project. On Sunday, the church will hold their annual celebration service. The city will mark the holiday on Monday by placing the first version of the project - copies of the silhouettes made with plywood - on the small island. The permanent steel versions are expected to be put up later in the year.  

In Woonsocket, it is not unusual for a religious institution, the Chief of Police, a community development organization, and youth development program with a focus on art to work to together to get things done. While Fesmire designed the project and Carey worked with local officials to ensure the availability of the space, Margaux Morisseau, director of community building for , applied for grant funding, provided by Citizens Bank Foundation. The Rotary Club currently sponsors the island and will provide assistance during the process.

Many members of the same team worked together to create a 200-foot mural at earlier this year. On Thursday, the MLK Planning Committee met at St. James for updates on various elements of their plans.

"Does anyone know a landscaper?" asked Fesmire, as the group searched for methods to create their vision without overspending. Emma Dandy from St. James said she knew a few people that might be interested.

"It's just a positive process for the city, with all of these organizations coming together," said Carey. "Once the silhouettes are installed, I think it's going to attract good, positive attention."

Carey was on a similar committee in St Petersburg, Florida, where he lived prior to taking the position as chief in Woonsocket in 2008. In Florida, what began as a small celebration with a banquet evolved into enormous parade attracting marching bands from across the country and ending in a battle of the bands at Tropicana Field.

In Woonsocket, the celebration began as a small gathering in the basement of 10 years ago. The church's James W. Hinson Scholarship Ministry started in the 1960s with just $10. In 2012, the $10,000 grant from Citizens will fund the ever-growing list if ideas Woonsocket residents have for MLK Day and a $2,000 grant from has allowed the ministry to expand the scholarship program to community seniors.

Tickets for the banquet, to be held on Friday, Jan. 13 at Savini's cost $25 and can be purchased at 141 Olo St. Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. or by calling Emma Dandy at 935-5285. The will also be sold at the St. James Baptist Church Christian Education Center  at 356-1293 and can be picked up Sunday morning, when the church holds services.