Tuesday, August 28, 2012 marks the 49th anniversary of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's "I Have A Dream" speech. Ten years ago, the City of Davenport designated Marquette Street in honor of Dr. King, and a group of concerned citizens had their own dream. They pledged to mark the entire street with signage related to the designation. Their dream has finally become fully realized as the last two signs have been placed.
From 2002 to 2010, nine signs were purchased and placed through the efforts of the Rev. Rogers Kirk, Third Missionary Baptist Church, and the Emerging Black Professionals of the Quad Cities.
In 2010, the St. Ambrose University Diversity Work Group took on the completion of the project as a diversity initiative in partnership with the City of Davenport.
Fundraising for the remaining 46 signs was accomplished in collaboration with the Diversity Work Group, St. Ambrose administrators, staff, faculty, students, alums and friends.
"The accomplishment of this goal is a visible, ongoing reminder to all in our community of the importance of brotherhood and sisterhood, in place at St. Ambrose University," said Trustee Emeritus and Alum Jim Collins.
Marquette Street is now fully marked with 55 signs, from the Mississippi Riverfront at Centennial Parkway's Beiderbeck Drive to 62nd Street, where Marquette ends at a cornfield.
