By Randy Alexander

Representatives from the Memphis Center for Independent Living (MCIL) and ADAPT of Tennessee met with Jeff Sanford and other representatives of the Center City Commission (CCC) to discuss solutions to the access problems at Court Square Park . While solutions to the access problems were given to the CCC, at this time there has been no written commitment made by Jeff Sanford to guarantee that permanent access will be made to the gazebo. 

“Our access rights should have been addressed up front, at this time we are cautiously optimistic…”, said Deborah Cunningham , Executive Director of MCIL, “We presented a solution to the access problems at Court Square Park and now we are waiting for a concrete answer from Mr. Sanford and the Center City Commission on whether these problems will be addressed.” Over $640,000 was spent for the renovation in Court Square Park and yet the access to the gazebo and the grass areas were not addressed on the front end. 

Talk is cheap, but actions speak volumes. City officials continue to talk the talk about access and our rights but through their actions we will see the truth. The time is now for the city of Memphis to step up. The problems at Court Square are just an example of this administration’s complete disregard towards the rights of people with disabilities. How else can people with disabilities in this city feel, when we have seen time and again how this administration continues to discriminate towards us. 

So the Memphis Center for Independent Living (MCIL), SCLC and ADAPT of Tennessee have gathered people here today to say, NO MORE. “MCIL has been battling this city for 20 years over access issues; we have and will not stand idly by. It is time for this administration to make significant changes and break down the barriers that exist in our community,” said Randy Alexander. “All aspects of this city must be accessible to all people and SCLC stands beside the efforts here today”, said Dwight Montgomery. We want full access to this park! We want full access to this city! We want full access to the very process so we can guarantee our own rights! 

Email your comments to:
  Jeff Sanford
 President Memphis
Center City Commission
sanford@downtownmemphis.com