Title
Resolution in Support of Naming the Existing MLK Community Center Gym the William E. Murphy III Gym [Budget Impact N/A]
Body
LEGISLATIVE INTENT/PURPOSE:
WHEREAS the City of Wilmington adopted a Street and Facilities Naming and Renaming and Private Memorials Policy, effective February 20, 2024; and,
WHEREAS the policy allows for the consideration of naming or renaming existing facilities, so long as the criteria set forth in the policy are met; and,
WHEREAS streets and facilities may be named after a living or deceased individual or group of individuals, if the individual or groups have made important historical, cultural, or other important contributions to the city, state, or country; and,
WHEREAS, Wilmington resident Portia Daniels Murphy has requested that the gym at the MLK Community Center be named after Wilmington native William E. Murphy III; and,
WHEREAS, William E. Murphy was a graduate of Williston High School, where he was a standout athlete; and,
WHEREAS, Mr. Murphy dedicated himself to a life of mentoring through his leadership roles in youth and adult athletics, serving as the director of the "8th Street Recreation Center," now known as the MLK Center; and,
WHEREAS, Mr. Murphy was known as a formidable coach of local youth Pop Warner football teams, girls' softball teams, and the Wilmington Tigers semi-professional football team; and,
WHEREAS, Mr. Murphy is a member of the Mason Dixon Football League Hall of Fame; and,
WHEREAS, Mr. Murphy is the namesake of the William Murphy Athletic Complex at Robert Strange Park; and,
WHEREAS, Mr. Murphy holds the distinguished honor of being celebrated as an African American Pioneer by the Friends of the North Carolina Historic Black Colleges and Universities Parks and Recreation Majors; and,
WHEREAS, Mr. Murphy's legacy endures through the countless lives he touched in the African American community of Wilmington through his compassion, service, and constant pursuit of excellence; and,
WHE...
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