Name Change Proposal - Multicultural Family Center 1157 Central Avenue Copyright 2014
City of Dubuque Action Items # 3.
ITEM TITLE: Name Change Proposal - Multicultural Family Center 1157 Central Avenue
SUMMARY: The Dubuque Branch of the NAACP submitting a proposal to rename the
Multicultural Family Center located at 1157 Central Avenue to The Ruby
Sutton Multicultural Family Center.
Multicultural Family Center Board of Directors submitting correspondence.
SUGGESTED DISPOSITION: Suggested Disposition: Receive and File; Council
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
❑ Proposal to Name Multicultural Family Center after Ruby Sutton Supporting Documentation
❑ MFC Board of Directors Correspondence Supporting Documentation
Dubuque Branch NAACP
P.O. Box
Dubuque, Iowa 52004-1025
Email: dubuquenaacp4025@gmall.com
Website www.dubuquenaacp.com
Phone: 563.594.0652
Dear City Council,
We,the Dubuque Branch of The NAACP, are bringing to your immediate attention this proposal to rename
the Multicultural Family Center located at 1157 Central Ave after our very profound, courageous,resolute and
honorary member within our community,Mrs.Ruby Sutton. The proposal will change the name to: The Ruby
Sutton Multicultural Family Center.The Dubuque Branch of The NAACP is and will diligently pursue this
endeavor to our deserving citizen. It has to be noted that an honoring endeavor was talked about in regards to
naming a building after Mrs. Ruby Sutton with the building of Eleanor Roosevelt Middle School,however,it did not
happen.
Ruby Sutton is a living legend,icon and a hero within our city of Dubuque.Mrs. Sutton became Dubuque's most
often identified activist in regards to Human Rights,Race, Civil Rights and Social Justice. Her work ethic speak
volumes which are parallel with her character. We know Mrs. Sutton as a creative mind,kind hearted,and willing to
go additional miles in order to provide for someone. The crux of the matter is Ruby Sutton often gave her time,
showed affection, and showed love to everyone she came into contact with no matter if she knew them personally or
just meant them for the first time. There was a saying in Dubuque in regards to Mrs.Ruby Sutton if you needed any
assistance,"Call Ruby."Mrs. Sutton raised the Dubuque Communities standards toward racial issues and provided
awareness to our city.
I repeat Mrs.Ruby Sutton needs to be honored in the way stated above through renaming the Multicultural Family
Center to The Ruby Sutton Multicultural Family Center.Mrs. Sutton's credentials include a Wife,a Mother,a
Daughter, a Friend, a Grandmother, an Aunt and most of all a Game Changer. In addition,Mrs.Ruby Sutton was
employed at Operation New View.Mrs. Sutton extended her time as a volunteer with River Valley,Inc. for the War
on Poverty,Dubuque Housing and Realtors Board, Correctional Services Advisory Board,Consortium on Aging
Network,Equal Opportunity Commission,Teenage Pregnancy Task Force,the Young Women's Christian
Association(Y.W.C.A),the Dubuque Community Food Pantry,Project Concern,Dubuque Dispute Resolution
Center,Equity Education Committee of the Dubuque Community School District and the Dubuque Human Rights
Commission.
The time, affection,life and love Ruby Sutton gave to our Dubuque Community should never go unnoticed and it
calls for an honoring.Ruby Sutton gave more to this community than anyone can ever imagine.Her mission was
serving people by making unlimited changes to the people and positions of people within our community.Her
mission is in action. Thanks to Mrs. Sutton some barriers are broken,thanks to Mrs. Sutton the African American
community stands stronger and thanks to Mrs. Sutton We stand stronger as a city.
Let your hearts rest on the person:Mrs.Ruby Sutton of Dubuque Iowa.
Yours Truly,
Dubuque Branch NAACP
dp
NAACP
• FOUNDED
1909
Y I t I V Y l t u ■ a I 1
157 Central Avenue
■ - . Dubuque,IA 52001
563-582-3681
Family Center I DUBUQUE www.mfcdb°.ore
September 17, 2015
City of Dubuque
City Council
50W. 13th Street
Dubuque,IA 52001
Dear City Council Members,
Regarding the attached correspondence from the NAACP,the Multicultural Family Center(MFC)Board of
Directors adopted the following motion:
The MFC Board unanimously supports honoring Ruby Sutton's legacy of building unity out of
diversity in Dubuque.We recommend that action be taken after discussions with all relevant stake
holders.
Sincerely,
John Stewart
Chairperson
MFC Board of Directors
MulllcuLtural Fmudy Center empowers all families and community members
of Dubuque to reach deeirpotenHal and buUdunhy out of diversity.