Some redbankgreen readers gave the sign a chilly welcome when it was installed in the spring.

Last time we wrote about Red Bank’s new inclusive community sign, in June, it set off quite a barrage of adverse commentary.

Critics called it ugly and unnecessary, an example of political correctness run amok. A member of the Human Relations Committee, which procured the sign at no cost, defended it as “an overt declaration to all who enter our fair Borough of the pride we feel in our community.”

Well, here we are again, to report that on Friday, the sign will be dedicated at Veteran’s Park, the tiny triangle at West Front Street and Riverside Avenue.

It’ll be interesting to see who shows up at the 10a event, and whether any of them will be objectors.

Here’s the press release:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Patricia Whyte, Chair
Human Relations Advisory Committee of Red Bank
90 Monmouth St.
Red Bank NJ 07701
#732-219-6901

(August 6, 2008) – On Friday, August 22 at 10AM the Human Relations
Advisory Committee of Red Bank will formally dedicate the Inclusive
Communities sign welcoming visitors to Red Bank. The sign, which can be
seen at the intersection of Riverside Ave. (Rte. 35 south) and W. Front
St., was installed this past spring.

In 2007, on the recommendation of the Human Relations Advisory
Committee, Red Bank joined the Partnership for Working Toward Inclusive
Communities. The Partnership is an initiative sponsored by the National
League of Cities, which provided the sign free of charge to the borough.

According to James C. Hunt, immediate past President of the NLC, “The
National League of Cities and its members have worked together for over
12 years to promote equality and bring attention to issues of diversity
and race relations. Yet, there is still much more to be done. We are
building upon the work of previous leaders, raising awareness and
focusing attention on the value of inclusive communities for all.

“Together as local government officials, concerned citizens,
business leaders and youth, the Partnership for Working Toward
Inclusive Communities can weave a creative, continuing, and sustainable
partnership. The message is simple: embrace the power of “We” and make
everyone feel welcome.”

More information can be found on the NLC website: www.nlc.org

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