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Commission discusses Professor Hoover historical marker: grant application, text length, materials and unveiling plans
Summary
Commissioners reviewed a draft text and grant strategy for a proposed Professor Hoover historical marker, discussed funding sources including outside donations, debated plaque materials (aluminum vs. bronze) given a grant cap of $3,500, and planned outreach for an unveiling and reception.
Commissioner Minister Monique Jones provided an update on the committee's grant application and draft marker text for a proposed historical marker recognizing Professor Hoover.
Jones said the committee has been working on a draft text of about 450 words and that United Women in Faith (formerly United Methodist Women) and its current president, Sally Bonner, have offered letters of support and potential outside funding. Jones said several members of the faith group offered to contribute money to supplement the grant funds.
The committee discussed plaque-material options. Bronze markers were described as more costly and likely to exceed the cited grant cap, while aluminum is less expensive. Jones said the Curtis Seitz grant (referred to in portions of the discussion as the “Curtis Sykes” grant) has a $3,500 maximum award; the transcript records both spellings of the grant name. The committee discussed pursuing bronze if outside donations cover the difference, or selecting aluminum to stay within the grant cap.
The committee also discussed logistics for an unveiling ceremony and reception: Jones said the church and Sequoia would sponsor receptions after the unveiling; the mayor, city council members, both historic commissions, university researchers and staff had attended a previous plaque unveiling (Nelson Hackett) and could be expected at a future ceremony. Jones asked about inviting the Black Heritage Commission and confirmed that communications and photos for grant reports come from city staff and community volunteers; she said city staff sometimes supplied official photos but not in a designated photography role.
Jones asked the council whether to reduce wording in the draft text (some members favored trimming references such as “dignitaries from all over the globe”); the committee agreed to make edits and to continue refining the text and design. Jones said she will continue to solicit committee input and prepare the final grant materials and mockups in time for filing.
No formal motion or vote was recorded on the marker during the meeting; the item remains under committee development.
