Clermont – At last Tuesday’s City Council Meeting, Tim Murry, a life-long Clermont resident, requested changing the current street name Bloxam Avenue, between Hooks and Division Streets, to Dr. Martin Luther King. Jr. Blvd. uniting two Clermont communities. Murry plays a vibrant role in the community and has served in the U.S. Airforce and in Clermont’s branch of the U.S. Postal Service.
Mr. Murry said changing the name of Bloxam Avenue was appropriate because that area is rich in black pride and history. A section of Bloxam Avenue falls in an area known as Lincoln Park, a historically black community. Before integration, Rev. William McKinney was principal of Lincoln Park School, the current site of Clermont Elementary, located on Bloxam and Highland. Rev. McKinney also served as pastor of New Jacobs Chapel Baptist Church. His daughter, Auriela McKinney-Cole was an active member of the community and a respected educator.
The council and attendees agreed that Clermont should honor the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. but many had different suggestions where and how to bestow the recognition. After a lengthy discussion, a decision was reached leaving Bloxam Avenue as is and adding an additional sign to signify “In Memory of Martin Luther King Jr”.
