Note: see poll at the right side of the page.
Recently, the location committee and the executive committee of the full Civil Rights Commission accepted the recommendation of LaPaglia & Associates (google them). LaPaglia recommended to locate the Museum at Tougaloo College although many respectfully - but strongly - disagree.
The process used to make this decision is questionable. First, LaPaglia told the City of Jackson that it did not want a public demonstration before a recommendation was made to the location committee. So, a very private meeting was held between LaPaglia and a few individuals from the city. LaPaglia initially insisted only one person attend, but at prodding, relented to four persons. Unfortunately for supporters of Downtown Jackson, LaPaglia allowed Tougaloo to hold a public demonstration for the Museum, supposedly including public dignitary attendees. Lo and behold, Tougaloo miraculously jumped up the list of proposed locations from tenth to first, ahead of three downtown locations. The reason cited for the jump ironically was so-called public support from the general public and prominent public officials for Tougaloo, but not for Jackson - after Jackson was told it couldn’t have a public demonstration in support of the Museum. You can’t make this stuff up. “Hoodwinked” if I’ve ever seen it.
The location committee that just happened to be composed of numerous Tougaloo alumni, (including the President of the College, and current and former trustees) somehow accepted the Tougaloo recommendation. Although the members of the commission are widely respected members of the local community, such esteem does not prevent others from disagreeing with what they judge to be the wrong decision and the perspective of the committee members.
The Museum should be located in downtown Jackson, preferably in the Farish Street Historic Neighborhood or a nearby site. There are numerous reasons the Museum should be located in downtown Jackson. At the forefront are pragmatic, economic considerations as museums usually do not make money. All museums need to be placed in an area that most ensures their ability to draw visitors and make it most likely to meet their budgets.
Numerous people (Jackson IS a college town) already visit the downtown museums, such as the Mississippi Museum of Art, as well as other historic locations, such as the Governor’s Mansion and the Capitol. It makes the most sense to emulate other cities such as Washington, D.C. and make the central city a “one stop shop” for museums as it makes the museums more accessible to the public and tourists.
In addition to the proposed economic development, there are $814 million dollars currently invested in ongoing downtown projects such as the Pinnacle Building, the King Edward, the Standard Life Building and others. The Electric Building and Plaza Building (where I live) have already been completed as well as new lofts on Tombigbee and the residences at the Iron Works Building which are all filled to capacity. Adding the value of the proposed projects increases the value of the investments to well over $2 billion. Yes, $2 billion.
Over the next three years, traffic is estimated to increase on the following downtown streets
(1) High Street will increase from 18,000 commuters a day to 37,300 commuters a day
(2) Capitol Street will increase from 8,900 commuters a day to 25,500 commuters day
(3) Court Street will increase from 1,300 commuters a day to 18,300 commuters a day.
These are just some of the examples and is what we are talking about when we say we want to put “rears in the seat” in the Museum in downtown Jackson.
The “critical mass” needed for this Museum to guarantee visitors, both before all of this development, and particularly after its occurrence, is a downtown location.
Another important consideration is a symbolic one. Some of the sins committed in our state during the Civil Rights Movement are unforgivable. Some of the triumphs are unforgettable. I can think of no greater memorial to that era than placing the Museum in the heart of our Capitol City – right around the corner from where legislature passed Jim Crow laws and the Governor’s Mansion where Ross Barnett lived. As Councilman Leslie McLemore said, Ross Barnett and the Legislature play a part in the narrative of the Civil Rights Movement, as do many others involved in the ugly past of our state government, and that is part of the story that needs to be told in great and graphic detail.
Imagine, for instance, placing the Museum at the Sun-and-Sand, as one potential site among many worthy, a location that housed Jim Crow Legislators, and where the Sovereignty Commission schemed. Moreover, at that site or the other proposed ones, it would be near or part of the Farish Street Historic Neighborhood which has one of the most significant African-American histories in the nation.
Tougaloo’s importance to the Movement is to be commended. However, its importance should not be the most important factor in reaching this decision as it apparently was where some of the committee members are concerned. Tougaloo’s role can be properly recognized in the Museum, as it must be pointed out 25 of the major 55 events in the Civil Rights Movement occurred within walking distance of downtown. Irrespective of that, the Museum should be placed in a location based upon its ability to tell the story of the Civil Rights Movement to the largest number of people, and that place is downtown.
One must wonder if a disconnect has occurred between the committee and the public it is supposed to serve. Having talked to many people about this issue, 99.9% of the people want this Museum downtown. The .1% who want it at Tougaloo are Tougaloo grads who are older than 50. The younger Tougaloo grads approached about this agree it should be downtown. This points to something else here, which is that no one under the age of 40 is on the Commission. Its not even clear that anyone under the age of 50 was on this committee. With all due respect, the older generation is a little out of touch when it comes to urbanization and the urbanization movement taking hold across the nation as shown by some of their public comments.
The recommendation of the location committee and executive committees will go to the full Commission for a vote. Contact them as well as the media and recommend placing the Museum downtown.
Wounds heal, but they often leave scars. We have a lot of scars in Mississippi from our Civil Rights History. Some aren’t even yet scars, but wounds still left open. Only by placing this Museum in downtown do you make this issue omnipresent and help those wounds and scars heal.
I will leave you with this thought: tell a conventioneer at our new Convention Center to “get on the interstate, travel about ten miles north, and then take a left at the Target, Red Lobster, and Home Depot,” or, “it’s right around the corner. Right by the Farish Street Historic District and near the King Edward, which originally closed because of integration, but is now open again – by the National Civil Rights Museum!” Enough said. It is a new day. Let’s just make sure we realize it.
Kingfish note: There is no copyright or claim to exclusivity on this column by Jackson Jambalaya although it was first published on this site. Mr. Allen is free to submit to whatever media outlet he desires.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Matt Allen: The Case for the National Civil Rights Museum in Downtown Jackson
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24 comments:
I am not making any comments about where I believe the museum should be located. That below is only response to the positions articulated above. Any assumptions you make above and beyond are your own.
There are numerous reasons the Museum should be located in downtown Jackson. At the forefront are pragmatic, economic considerations as museums usually do not make money. All museums need to be placed in an area that most ensures their ability to draw visitors and make it most likely to meet their budgets.
If the museum is going to lose money -- an oft used soundbite by supporters of civic projects downtown never substantiated by any studies or facts -- then it doesn't matter, really, where it is located statwide. In fact, if that is a primary concern then the museum should be placed wherever it will occur the smallest annual operating losses regardless of where that location would be in the state. If there are some pro-forma financial statements available to study/review that compare and contrast the scope of the projected losses for all proposed locations statewide then let's see them but, short of that, what you present as pragmatic economic considerations are only opinion.
Over the next three years, traffic is estimated to increase on the following downtown streets
(1) High Street will increase from 18,000 commuters a day to 37,300 commuters a day
(2) Capitol Street will increase from 8,900 commuters a day to 25,500 commuters day
(3) Court Street will increase from 1,300 commuters a day to 18,300 commuters a day.
These are just some of the examples and is what we are talking about when we say we want to put “rears in the seat” in the Museum in downtown Jackson.
According to whom? Based on what other pre-requisites? Are we just supposed to take your word for it?
With all due respect, the older generation is a little out of touch when it comes to urbanization and the urbanization movement taking hold across the nation as shown by some of their public comments.
So are you saying that all citizens of Jackson have bought into "the urbanization movement"? Have we had a referendum in the city soliciting our input as to urbanization being the objective which should override all others in setting city policy and direction?
Only by placing this Museum in downtown do you make this issue omnipresent and help those wounds and scars heal.
That is a stretch to state that such can only be achieved downtown.
Rico,
Fair questions.
(1) This is not a point here about downtown projects. Everyone involved in the Museum business knows they generally don't make money; to claim they are "money making" entities is a non-starter. So, the idea is to place them where they have the best chance of balanacing their budget. As I argued in the column, I think that place in this state is downtown for numerous reasons.
(2) The data was provided to the city of Jackson by a professional consulting firm. I wish I recalled the name offhand; I used the study to write the column.
(3) Of course we haven't had a referendum. This is a general statement. Across the nation we are seeing reurbanization, and as developers will tell you, their target market is the 20-45 age bracket. This group, on the whole, buys into reurbanization.
(4) I disagree. If Mississippi wants to looks serious about recognizing its past, then what better place to put it than right at the heart of the Capital City?
Also, Memphis and Birminghame realized this, which is why their Civil Rights Museums are downtown. I hope we follow their lead.
There are many factors that will determine the level of operational loss. Foot traffic alone will not guarantee that a downtown location would lose less money than, say, the site in Greenwood.
I'm looking for some meat but the only thing y'all offer is bun. If you want others to truly consider the facts then you need to put facts in front of them to consider.
As to your last point, I think most of Mississippi does not believe the history of our state revolves around Jackson.
he's actually helpiong you out matt. will make a stronger case when the committee takes it up next week.
Got to work for a living but I'll just state this: Jackson is the largest city, the largest city, already has tons of museums here, so seems to make sense to put it in Jackson. Reasonable people can disagree about these things, but that's the side of the coin I fall on. If you don't buy it, hey, it is a free country.
Y'all are appealing to an argument of economic supremacy for a downtown location versus the other sites statewide but provide no data to support the argument.
Short of any data to be used in an evaluation how are your arguments any less an example of homerism as those supporting the placement of the museum at Tougaloo?
I'm certainly capable of considering the options but I can't buy something when you've not offered anything to purchase beyond your opinion.
Dude. Even the Greenwood paper said put it in Jackson. We are arguing about where in Jackson because it's pretty much settled at this point it will be put in Jackson Question is where. Now if you want to argue Tougaloo over downtown, go for it. Otherwise, I'm not interested in engagining in an argument of Jackson v. somewhere else. That would, at this point in the process, be arguing for arguments sake, and I don't have time for that.
Re: Tougaloo, no one has offered any legitimate economic arguments of it over downtown. They have solely been arguments based upon sentimentality - not based on how to get visitors.
You are completely missing the point but that is understandable considering the emotionalism of all parties pushing their respective sites.
You don't have any actual numbers to consider regardless of whether or not Tougaloo has, or has not, offered same. At least we've got that settled.
No, I don't think you are raising a legitimate question. Jackson gets more visitors per year than places like Greenwood. I don't need to cite a study to state that conclusively.
And re: Tougaloo, I offered numbers in turns of traffic downtown. I think we all know, without aid of study, that downtown gets a lot more visitors than Tougaloo.
Stick to lawyering. Businesses cases are not your forte.
Adios dude. I don't argue for arguments sake. And certainly don't lower myself to insults and namecalling, and I won't do that here.
How dare you call Matt a "forte" Rico. LMAO You're right on the mark AND wasting your time. Matt learned his back of the napkin figurin' and high finance from his Pop Ben. Matt's just trying to fill-in the red-ink sink hole Ben spent a decade digging for Jackson. Nuff said.
This went downhill fast, but for some reason every discussion about the museum seems to.
Maybe it'll make more money downtown. Maybe moneymaking shouldn't be the primary consideration of a civil rights museum. Maybe it's more important to honor Tougaloo for its role in the struggle and provide a second strong institution in that part of town than it is to contribute to downtown economic infrastructure.
I don't know. What I do know is that there are good people on both sides, and they're tearing each other up.
Tom, I noted from the outset:
I am not making any comments about where I believe the museum should be located. That below is only response to the positions articulated above. Any assumptions you make above and beyond are your own.
I'm only asking for verifiable data. Allen wants readers here to accept his swags solely on the basis of his opinion. He can't defend his own words about "pragmatic, economic considerations" so then resorts to word games.
Thanks boom! I guessed what he probably could, and could not, deliver before asking but thought I'd give him the benefit of the doubt. Dumb decision on my part.
Hattip, Tom, and well said. There's data you are talking about, Rico. Tons of it. It was presented to be people involved - and ignored.
However, I have a job I do for a living. What is above is what is above - a short op-ed piece. Not a fully blown policy study, nor does it puport to be. Frankly, I don't have time to run around town gathering the data you seem to demand. Sorry, but I don't work like that. Take the piece for what is - simply my take on the issue. You are, of course, free to agree or disagree. But I got work to do.
Matt, as someone under deadline for a few projects himself, I can completely understand!
You know, if there had not been such a controversy over this, I think everybody's inner headline would read "Mississippi Civil Rights Museum to Be Hosted in Jackson." Because that's huge. Whether it turns out to be downtown or Tougaloo, this is a coup and something to be proud of.
Matt-Rico's had a bug up his ass for a while now. Ain't really got nothing to do with you. Its about the world and life in general. At least that is what I've figured.
As for the museum, I've yet to post my take...but I guess I might as well do it here.
Tom-One of your arguments has been that Tougaloo needs the "economic development". I hate to say this, but what the other side is saying is true. Museums don't usually bring economic development, they benefit from economic development. (I work at a lot of non-profits...this is generally the rule.)
And, as to everyone's question about "supporting" the museum wherever it is placed? Well, OF COURSE we will all do that. But, I LIVE here. There are only so many times I can visit one single museum. That shouldn't even be an issue. This is the emotional piece that is "tearing people apart" But, it doesn't tie into the economic viability of it in the long run.
What SHOULD be an issue (as Matt much more eloquently stated above) is getting the museum as much foot traffic as possible; near OTHER attractions that might also benefit from that foot traffic (i.e. Farish Street, downtown). THIS is how you revitalize a town.
Fifty-five million dollar investments aren't built on emotions and dreams. I WISH we lived in a world where they were. That world sounds wonderful. But, that's the point...it SOUNDS wonderful. Unfortunately, this isn't what we are working with.
Put the museum downtown, allow it tourist foot traffic and allow it to support itself.
Its really the difference in investing in Jackson because you believe in its future, and its future ability to be a tourist spot that would TEACH people about Civil Rights...or putting it somewhere out of sight where it wouldn't touch half as many people and wouldn't contribute to the revitalization of this state as a WHOLE...which is really what the current civil rights movement should be about.
But, that's just my opinion.
Lori, my position since day one has been that either location works. I'm kind of reticent to get into another argument about the subject because it never ends well, but I never said don't put it downtown. I just said that folks who wanted it at Tougaloo also had good reasons to support their position.
Re foot traffic, I don't think anybody was talking about foot traffic when sites like the Delta and Hattiesburg were on the list. So even from the perspective of easy access, Tougaloo is much better than the vast majority of proposed locations.
Oh yeah...but I think all those other proposed sights are stupid as well...:) And I'm a girl from the Delta.
No fights here. An opinion is an opinion. I think you've heard the saying. :)
I just enjoy the debate.
For what it's worth, it'd be much easier for me if it were downtown. I live less than two miles away. :o)
Put it in the Farish street district when it's finally revitalized..............
Kuchenga Pamoja, I mean Rico: the stats you demand are on JFP, at least some of them. I have no doubt what you will say: not enough. Predictable as the sun coming up tomorrow, but you'll probably claim I don't have proof of that either. "All bun and no meat." I honestly wonder if you are reasonable. Respectfully, Matt
P.S. What area of the city do you live in?
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