RESOLUTION NO. 080376

Declaring April 19, 2008, as Porter Slave Plantation Remembrance Day to be celebrated at the 4th Annual Troost Avenue Festival.

WHEREAS, Rev. James Porter, his family and 40 slaves, formed a 365 acre plantation between Locust and Vine Avenues and 23rd and 31st Streets; and

WHEREAS, the extensive work of clearing land, building houses, and cultivating land by these former slaves was never formally recognized; and

WHEREAS, that very land between 1880 and 1910 became known as Millionaires Row along the Troost Corridor between 25th Street and Linwood Boulevard; and

WHEREAS, some of the most distinguished citizens and businesses in Kansas City thrived there between 1880 and 1950; and

WHEREAS, 40 years ago, on April 4, 1968, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his life to see the children of former slaves and slave owners build a beloved community; and

WHEREAS, the Troost Avenue Festival being held on April 19, 2008, will recognize the neglected contributions of these former slaves, call for more research to be done on this historic site, and call for the creation of a village that transcends the legacy of slavery and discrimination; NOW, THEREFORE,

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF KANSAS CITY:

That the Mayor and Council hereby declare April 19, 2008, as Porter Slave Plantation Remembrance Day to be celebrated at the 4th Annual Troost Avenue Festival; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution be spread upon the Minutes of the Council in testimony thereof and that a copy hereof be presented to Harry Reaves of TYCOR CDC, Fr. Paisius Altschul of Reconciliation Services, and members of Troost Folks in token of the support by the Mayor, Council and citizens of Kansas City for a village to be restored that brings together both sides of Troost Avenue into a beloved community.

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