I am petitioning the Mount Vernon City Council to change the name of Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, between Bedford and Grandview Ave. (Formerly E 3rd St) to Allen D Ayers Jr Blvd. in honor of Allen D. Ayers Jr, who was a lifelong resident in the city.  He was the second of 6 generations raised in this city, a retired community affairs detective in this city, where he served as a police detective and the Director of the Police Athletics League.  He went on to run the municipal boxing gym at Doles center, where he trained youth and young adults to box. Some of which are now professionals.  He was an active father, grandfather, great grandfather. He always advocated for youth and young adults and became a pillar in the community.  He started a thriving youth organization that continues to nurture the youth in this community with diverse programs.  He served as a political activist and advisor in this city and represented this community on social injustice issues on national levels.  He maintained culture, community, mentorship and family values. I submit that his memory and legacy be remembered by naming this street, where he lived and received the community in his family home for more than 75 years.