[Letter: AIDS Interfaith Network, Inc.] Page: 1 of 2
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44@PE
AIDS INTERFAITH NETWORK, INC.
Rev. Robert E. Hensley
February 2, 1990
Mr. Frank Wise
Dallas Parks Director
City Hall, Rm 6FN
1500 Marrilla
Dallas, TX 75201
Dear Mr. Wise:
I am writing to voice my strongest support and that of the AIDS
Interfaith Network for the proposed AIDS Memorial project in Lee Park. As
individuals and an organization that works exclusively with persons living
with HIV Disease (AIDS), we recognize that this memorial will stand as a
living and enduring tribute to the courage of those who in the face of
this disease have seen the lives of some of the most creative and
promising people of our city and county cut short.
The arguments that you advance regarding vandalism are without
merit as all property, both public and private, is subject to vandalism.
And to say that "...once you do it for one group, you must do it for
all..." is already policy since all of the parks, plaques and memorials in
the city are tributes at one level or another to special interest groups.
According to Mr. David Jackson's article in the February 2nd
edition of the Dallas Morning News, you are quoted as saying that
"...dedication plaques are usually reserved for specific people or groups
that provided service to the community or country." I believe that the
proposed memorial does exactly that, much moreso than the man for whom the
park is named, and would be a focus for unity within the community as
opposed to the near destruction of this country and inherent racism
symbolized by the statue of Robert E. Lee that now stands in the park.
HIV Disease (AIDS) is with us and will remain so for many years to
come. Education is the key to conquering the disease and this memorial
will help achieve that goal. I urge you and your fellow board members to
act courageously and with all deliberate speed in helping this project
become a reality for all of our people.
Si erely;<
Ro ert E. Hensley
Di ector, Pastoral Care & Education
cc: Mayor Ann'ette Strauss; David Jackson;
Rene Martinez; Alan Ross
6525 Inwood Road " Dallas, Texas 75209 " (214) 358-4724
1555 Merrimac Circle, Suite 218 " Fort Worth, Texas 76109 " (817) 870-2105
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[Letter: AIDS Interfaith Network, Inc.], letter, February 2, 1990; (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc915801/m1/1/?q=%22Places+-+United+States+-+Texas+-+Dallas+County+-+Dallas%22: accessed July 10, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting UNT Libraries Special Collections.