The African American Museum of Iowa will be unveiling a two-sided street light banner on Thursday May 31st at 12:00 pm at The African American Museum of Iowa. This first glimpse will unveil the banners that will canvas the Dr. Martin Luther King Bridge at 12th Ave SE. Local artist Dominique McCoy created a King likeness on one side, and the African American Museum logo on the other.
The bridge on 12th Ave. was renamed for Dr. King in 2005 and aside from a plaque visible to walkers, there is no other signage indicating its importance of its name sake. This banner will bring attention to the bridge, as well direct traffic to the museum which is just on the north side. The banners will be aesthetic and serve as a reminder that we are an inclusive community.
Three local students from Cedar Valley Christian, Prairie Crest Elementary and Washington High School, will assist in unveiling the banners with a short summary of King’s past, the present impact and what the banners mean to future generations.
The banners are an important contribution to the community culture and the timing significance coincides with the 25th anniversary of The African American Museum, 50th anniversary of King’s assassination, Juneteenth and Museum Week.
Community support for this project is provided by; Czech Village/New Bo, CR Metro Economic Alliance, Hatch Development and The City of Cedar Rapids.
