MLK bust unveiled in Washington Park

SANDUSKY — In the mid-1970s, the late Rev. Richard Ashburn dreamt of installing a bust in downtown Sandusky to honor Martin Luther King Jr.Though, because of several complications, mainly cost, the project faced numerous setbacks and didn't go forward until recently.Thanks to many generous donations from community members during the past two years, Ashburn's concept turned into a concrete reality Monday afternoon, appropriately on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.About 50 people gathered at Washington Park to debut a sculpture in King's likeness. Ashburn's daughter, Jennifer Ann Ashburn, unveiled its covering."It's beautiful," she exclaimed to all in attendance.Community leaders on Monday unveiled a bust in the likeness of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The bust is located at Washington Park in downtown Sandusky.Three entities — the city government, Balconi Monuments and the Sandusky Pioneer Committee — spearheaded fundraising efforts to pay for this bust and foundation, collectively totaling about $19,000.Many individuals, including those belonging to the Sandusky NAACP, also contributed toward the cause. Their names are carved out on brick pavers leading up to this bust."We certainly want to thank you," said the Rev. Thomas Darden, a longtime local spiritual leader and a former Sandusky ex officio mayor. "We could not have arrived at this place without your help."About 50 people gathered Monday afternoon, on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, at Washington Park in downtown Sandusky to unveil a bust in the likeness of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.Darden served as the event's emcee. Other local clergy leaders — such as the Rev. Jerald Fensky of St. Stephen United Church of Christ, Minister Marietta Johnson of New Jerusalem Baptist Church, Pastor Bobbie Garrett of Cornerstone Missionary Baptist Church along with Jeanine Potter Donaldson — read prayers and sang spiritual songs.Community members representing the Sandusky Pioneer Committee and other community groups gather behind a bust in the likeness of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during an unveiling ceremony Monday at Washington Park in downtown Sandusky. The committee led fundraising efforts to create a sculpture.Several city commissioners, including Naomi Twine, also made an appearance. During an address, Twine made a connection to King's past with Sandusky's future in relation to equality and justice. "It's not just enough to talk the talk or quote the lines of the 'I Have a Dream' speech on Martin Luther King Day," Twine said. "We have to do the work every single day. As the city of Sandusky comes together to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the dedication of this bust (on Monday), let this physical manifestation be a constant reminder that our work is not yet done. We all have more to do."Sandusky city commission Naomi Twine addresses those attending a ceremony to dedicate a bust in the likeness of Martin Luther King Jr. at Washington Park in downtown Sandusky. The ceremony took place on Monday, Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The Rev. Thomas Darden, who emceed the event, holds a microphone while Twine spoke.A foundational pieceThe text inscribed on Sandusky's new Martin Luther King Jr. bust reads as follows:The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.The time is always right to do what is right.Reach reporter Andy Ouriel at ouriel@sanduskyregister.com and follow him on Twitter @AndyOuriel.