The Twin Cities’ unique dual monuments to Martin Luther King, Jr. are being advanced by a gig donation from a West Michigan construction workers union. The West Michigan Chapter of LIUNA – the Laborers’ International Union of North America, Local 355, has donated $60,000 to the Unified Civic Monuments Project (UCMP).
Local 355’s Business Manager, Arlander Washington, said, “At LiUNA Local 355, we are immensely proud to support this initiative. In a world where division often defines us, coming together to erect monuments to honor the Champion of Civil Rights, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., stands as a powerful, inspiring testament to the strong ties which binds peoples of all backgrounds in marshaling reconciliation to achieve a shared goal. His legacy still stands.”
Established in 1903, LiUNA now has more than half a million members worldwide. LiUNA Local 355 is based in Battle Creek and represents over 13,000 construction workers in West Michigan.
Sharon Brown of the UCMP said, “We are all so grateful to LiUNA and Mr. Washington for reaching out to make sure they could be a champion of this project.” The monument construction is underway and further donations will be used for ongoing programming, curriculum development, special events, monument site maintenance, and potential future monument enhancements. “
UCMP also announced that its Unity Walk this Sunday, September 15, will feature Chuck Jager, Executive Director of the Morton House Museum. Jager will share his perspectives and local history during the walk from the Benton Harbor to the St. Joseph monument site. The group meets at 3 p.m. at Dwight P. Mitchell City Center Park for the approximately 3 mile walk to St. Joseph and back.
More information and the donation link can be found at www.unifiedmonuments.org/donate.
About Unified Civic Monuments Project
The Unified Civic Monuments Project is led by Sharon and Mack Brown, founders of the African American History & Literature Gallery, with the support of Krasl Art Center, Lake Michigan College, Berrien Community Foundation, the BH-SJ Arts & Culture Social Justice Group, and the cities of Benton Harbor and St. Joseph.
