Attachment A
Ms. Wilkins' Appeal to the City Manager, dated 9-11-2023 and Request to the City, dated 12-5-2023
From: City Web <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 11:12 AM
To: Marquez, Miguel <[email protected]>
Subject: New Message for Miguel Marquez, City Manager from Keisha Wilkins via City Manager Website Contact Form
Contact Miguel Marquez, City Manager
Message Dear Mayor Victor Gordo, Miguel Marquez, Ms. Yannie Wu-Bowman, and Esteemed City Council Officials,
I pen this appeal on behalf of those whose lives have been profoundly touched by the iconic R&B group, Troop, and by the vibrant city of Pasadena, where they found their roots.
Although I hail from the neighboring city of West Covina, the influence of Troop on our community was undeniable. Before Troop, Steven Russell was a local sensation, known far and wide as a Michael Jackson impersonator. Little did we know that this star would become the front-runner of a group that would etch its name into the annals of music history.
Troop's music transcended city boundaries; it became a unifying force that resonated with people across Southern California. Their music was the soundtrack to countless lives, a testament to their ability to bring joy and inspiration through their melodies.
The decision to rename Troop Street is not merely a request; it's an acknowledgment long overdue. It's an opportunity to immortalize the legacy of Troop, a group that has not only represented Pasadena but has touched hearts far beyond. It's a symbol of our gratitude for the music that has shaped our memories and brought our community together.
This appeal is not just a hope; it's an affirmation. An affirmation of Troop's significance in our lives, an affirmation that their music continues to resonate in our hearts. It's a statement that we, the community, stand united in our call for this renaming, for it's a tribute that cannot be denied.
Troop's journey, from a local star to an international sensation, mirrors the aspirations of countless individuals in our community. Their story is our story, their success our inspiration.
I implore you to consider this appeal with the utmost sincerity. The renaming of Troop Street is more than a gesture; it's a testament to the power of music and community pride. It's a tribute that deserves to become a reality.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Keisha Wilkins
CEO, Visionary Entertainment
Marketing & Promotions Manager, The Canyon Montclair
Formerly The Canyon (Rose, Pasadena)
Attachment A
Ms. Wilkins' Appeal to the City Manager, dated 9-11-2023 and Request to the City, dated 12-5-2023
From: I AM LOVE 333
Sent: Tuesday, December 5, 2023 11:14 PM
To: Olmos, Tony <tolmos(%cityofpasadena.net>
Subject: Troop Way
Troop Way: A Tribute to Musical Legends
Dear City Manager Miguel Marquez, City Council Members, and Mayor Victor Gordo, I trust this message finds you well. I am Keisha Wilkins, CEO of Visionary Entertainment, writing to you with an urgent and heartfelt appeal on behalf of the community seeking a significant change within the heart of Old Town Pasadena.
I implore you to consider the renaming of Dayton to Troop Way, extending from Fair Oaks to Raymond, covering Central Park in Old Town Pasadena. This request transcends a mere change of street name; it symbolizes a profound homage to the unparalleled contributions of the R&B group. Troop.
As I wrote in my first proposal, Troop's musical prowess, highlighted by three number-one singles and ten top-ten singles on the Billboard R&B Singles chart, is not just a testament to their remarkable talent but also a significant contribution to the world of music. Their enduring presence in the industry, solidified by appearances in the classic urban film New Jack City and their latest release "Lady In My Life" in 2023, showcases their ability to captivate audiences across generations.
Each member of Troop has left an indelible mark on the music industry:
**Reggie Warren (1968-2020)** - Reggie was the life of the group, exuding positivity and joy.
His infectious energy, love for dancing, and caring nature, offering food generously, made him irreplaceable. His untimely passing ignited a profound spark within Troop and the city of Pasadena.
**Rodney Benford** - Rodney, as the glue holding the group together, pushed the boundaries of choreography, creating visual spectacles and fostering a tight-knit brotherhood. **Jon Jon Harreld** - Jon Jon's incredible vocal abilities and soulful sound shaped Troop's signature, enriching their repertoire and captivating audiences. As a child, Jon Jon was part of the Boys & Girls Club in Pasadena, showcasing Troop's connection with the local community. ** Steve Russell** - Steve, the heart of Troop, not only contributed as a vocalist and songwriter but, as one of the best-noted Michael Jackson impersonators as a young child representing Pasadena, left a lasting impression on the city's cultural legacy. His Grammy-winning success as a writer and producer underscores his impact on the music industry. Troop's journey was also highlighted by appearances on shows like Arsenio Hall, further representing Pasadena on the national stage.
Attachment A
Ms. Wilkins' Appeal to the City Manager, dated 9-11-2023 and Request to the City, dated 12-5-2023
**Allen McNeil** - Alien's sweet and melodious voice added a unique touch to Troop's harmonies, making him an essential part of the Troop experience.
Together, Reggie, Rodney, Jon Jon, Steve, and Alien formed an exceptional ensemble that produced a sound unlike any other, earning comparisons to legendary groups like New Edition.
The dance named after them, "The Troop," became a testament to their captivating choreography.
As a bum survivor and dancer. Troop's music transformed my darkest days, reigniting hope and resilience. Their influence propelled me back into the music industry, inspiring not only my journey but also the next generation—my children and grandchildren.
Renaming Dayton to Troop Way is not just an appeal; it's an affirmation of Troop's significance in our lives and a celebration of Pasadena's pride in nurturing exceptional talent. This change is a tribute that deserves to become a reality.
Moreover, Troop's representation of Pasadena, known for the Rose Bowl and the Rose Parade, is etched in our community's history. Since their young days. Troop has not only put on some of the world's best performances but has represented Pasadena in an unforgettable way, adding to the city's rich cultural heritage.
In another exciting development, in 2024, Troop's dociimentary will be showcased on the All Black Network, adding another chapter to their legacy and further representing Pasadena on a national platform.
I would like to share a personal connection to Troop's early success. When Troop first got their start on "Puttin On The Hits," my girl group Triple F and I met them at the audition. We loaned them our cassette tape of New Edition, as we were all impersonating New Edition. Because we gave them our tape, they made it through and won. This small act of cormection marks the beginning of their incredible journey, and renaming Dayton to Troop Way is a fitting tribute to their enduring legacy.
Finally, I'm proud to share that my drill team won the Pasadena Rose Parade in the '80s, earning the opportunity to go to camp, adding another layer ofcormection between Troop and the vibrant history of Pasadena.
I extend my heartfelt thanks to City Manager Miguel Marquez, Asst. City Manager Brenda Harvey-Williams, Deputy Director/City Engineer Kris Markarian, P.E., and Director of Public Works Tony Olmos, P.E., for an exceptional meeting. Their collaboration and swift agreement on a location for Troop Way are truly appreciated. This historic street renaming is a remarkable opportunity to honor Troop while they are with us and enrich Pasadena's cultural tapestry.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Attachment A
Ms. Wilkins' Appeal to the City Manager, dated 9-11-2023 and Request to the City, dated 12-5-2023
Keisha Wilkins
CEO, Visionary Entertaimnent
Marketing & Promotions Manager