MLK gets new name for a while

Have you seen the new signs that have been posted along Martin Luther King Jr. Drive at several intersections within the past few weeks? They are brown signs with the words “The Golden Mile” written on them.In a proclamation given by Mayor Allen Joines on Feb. 17, MLK serves as a vital corridor through the African-American community by connecting academic, cultural, financial, medical, commercial and spiritual uses. The Golden Mile designates the roadway between the Downtown Health Plaza and the light at the main entrance of Winston-Salem State University. Stan Polanis, the city’s director of transportation, said, “It is in honor of Black History Month, and it recognizes the contributions made by African-Americans.” Vivian Burke, a city councilwoman and mayor pro tempore, said the idea for the mile was one that she has encouraged. She said the signs came at the request of Dr. Serenus T. Churn of Mount Zion Baptist Church.”It [the mile] continues to hold up the legacy of Winston-Salem,” Burke said.As to why the signs had been placed up after Black History Month had ended, Burke said, “It takes time for the proclamation to be passed and the signs to be made.”But as for the man behind the idea, he became inspired by the many black services and institutions along the mile. He took the proposal to Councilwoman Joycelyn Johnson of the East Ward, who further pushed the idea. He believes that the mile represents the good things nestled in the heart of the black community.”At the head of the mile lies great opportunity for students to reach their potential. At the foot lies the physical opportunities, and in the middle lie the spiritual as well as other needs,” Churn said. He added that with so much attention placed on the negative events in East Winston, it is imperative to have a shining spot in the community. And for East Winston, that spot lies on The Golden Mile.