From:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Date:
Attachment B
Ms. Wilkins' Request to the City, dated 9-11-2024
I AM LOVE 333
Gordo. Victor: Marquez. Miguel: Harvev-Williams. Brenda Wu-Bowman. Yannie: Markarian. Kris: Panossian. Koko: Hampton. Tvron: Jones. Justin: Daza. Laarni Honoring Pasadena"s R & B Legends Troop
Wednesday, September 11, 2024 11:25:54 AM
Some people who received this message don't often get email fror.. Learn why this is I
[ ] CAUTION: This email was delivered from the Internet. Do not click links or open attachments unless you know the content is safe. Report phish using the Phish Alert Button. For more information about the Phish Alert Button view article "KB0010263" on the DolT portal.
Miguel Marquez, City Manager; Brenda Williams Assistant City Manager, Mayor Victor Gordo; and Esteemed Pasadena City Council
Cc: Ko Ko, Yanni, Kris, and City Staff
Honoring R&B Legends Troop in Pasadena - Recognition Proposals Dear Mr. Marquez, Brenda Williams, Mayor Gordo, and Esteemed City Council, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Ko Ko, Yanni, Kris, and the rest of the city staff for the time and thoughtful consideration they've invested in discussions regarding honoring the legendary R&B group Troop. I am honored to be part of these meaningful conversations, which reflect the cultural pride and historical significance of Troop's contributions to Pasadena and beyond.
As discussed during our meeting in July, and on our several conference calls. I am writing to provide my support for the following recognition options and request that the City consider implementing two or more of these proposals to celebrate Troop's legacy, including honoring our fallen soldier, Reggie Warren.
Option 1: Civic Auditorium Plaque and Room at Jackie Robinson Center Troop has been ambassadors of Pasadena's vibrant culture, sharing their music and talents with millions worldwide. It would be fitting to honor them with a plaque at the Civic Auditorium, a venue where nembers have performed in the past, alongside other local icons such as Van Halen. To have Troop's plaque next to Van Halen's would be a profound recognition of their contributions to both Pasadena and the global music scene.
As we discussed in our meeting with City Staff. This is in addition, we propose that a room at the Jackie Robinson Center be named after Troop. For over 35 years. Troop has practiced at the Jackie Robinson Center, honing their craft and representing the finest artistic values of our community. The room would not only commemorate the group but also serve as a lasting tribute to Reggie Warren, who embodied the energy and spirit of Troop. This recognition of their connection to Pasadena and the Jackie Robinson Center would celebrate both their history and their ongoing influence.
Option 2: Room at Jackie Robinson Center, Civic Auditorium Plaque, and Bench with Boulder at Central Park This option expands upon the previous one by adding a bench and plaque in a boulder at Central Park, another location deeply tied to Troop's history. Central Park, at the intersection of Dayton and Fair Oaks, holds special significance for Troop. It was here that the members engaged in formative experiences that laid the foundation for their future careers. This park is not just a place of personal growth for Troop but a cultural hub where Pasadena's artistic community converges.
Central Park's role in the Pasadena Jazz Festival, where Troop members performed, highlights its importance as a cultural venue. Naming a bench and adding a plaque at this historic park would be a fitting tribute to Troop's legacy and their roots in Pasadena's dance and music scene.
Option 3: Renaming Dayton Street to "Troop Way"
Renaming Dayton Street to "Troop Way" is perhaps the most profound recognition we seek. Dayton Street and the surrounding area have played a central role in Troop's journey, from their early years to their later perfonnances. At the intersection of Dayton and Fair Oaks, Central Park was the stage for numerous significant performances, including those by Jon Jon Harreld with Victory Bible Church. This area has been a cultural beacon, representing Troop's journey from local talent to global icons and embodying Pasadena's artistic spirit.
Furthermore, Dayton Street is closely tied to the history of the first Black church in Old Pasadena, where a member of Troop has personal ties. This church represents an important part of the community's history and Troop's connection to it adds depth to the proposal. Renaming Dayton Street would immortalize Troop's influence on Pasadena and honor their contributions to the city's cultural and historical fabric. This renaming would also pay tribute to Reggie Warren, whose legacy is intertwined with the group's journey and the community.
Option 4: Key to the City
Lastly, I humbly request that the City of Pasadena consider awarding Troop the Key to the City. This honor, which has yet to be bestowed upon any members of Troop, would be a remarkable way to acknowledge their dedication and positive representation of Pasadena on the world stage. In recent years, R&B artist Keith Sweat, a friend of Troop, received the Key to New York City, and Troop's recognition in their hometown of Pasadena would be a similarly fitting tribute.
Troop, which stands for "Total Respect Of Other People," has always embodied the values of respect, community, and artistic excellence. Honoring them with the Key to the City would reflect their positive impact on Pasadena and celebrate their 35+ years of success.
In addition to these proposals, I would like to request that the plaque at the Civic Auditorium be included in each of these options. Whether it be alongside the room naming at Jackie Robinson Center, the bench and boulder at Central Park, the renaming of Dayton Street to "Troop Way," and/or the awarding of the Key to the City, having a plaque at the Civic Auditorium would ensure that Troop's legacy is honored in a prominent and enduring way. Giving them everything above would be fitting. My personal knowledge has me speaking up for what these guys deserve.
Thank you for considering these options to recognize Troop's lasting legacy. The proposed honors not only celebrate Troop's achievements but also pay tribute to the group's contributions to the arts, their deep connection to Pasadena, and the memory of Reggie Warren. I am confident that any of these proposals would serve as a fitting tribute to the group and their influence on our city and the broader musical landscape.
Please feel free to contact me at
Sincerely,
KeishaWilkins
CEO, Visionary Entertainment LLC
' or via email atto discuss these proposals further.