Stacy Blasiola <sblasiol@rhf.bradley.edu> Date: Mon, 31 Mar 1997
Chancellor David Broski,
It has come to my attention that a legendary piece of not only musical history, but American history as well, faces the threat of destruction. I feel that there is much more knowledge to be gained from Maxwell Street as it is than you could ever teach with what you are planning to replace it with.
Being that I am in an atmosphere where I come into contact with numerous exchange students from various countries, as I attend Bradley University, I have learned that many foreigners I have talked to feel that America lacks "culture." I always defend this statement with my knowledge of Blues' history...and I assure you Chancellor Broski, Maxwell Street always comes up in my argument.
My music appreciation teacher once said that Jazz is the only American artform...I debated her with the statement that Blues is the only American artform, and all musical forms invented thereafter are merely the "children" of Blues. The importance here is in the fact that a large part of the construction of the Blues lies within the confines of Maxwell Street and the bands that played on its corners. Without it, Chancellor, music today would not be the same.
By tearing down our beloved Maxwell Street, you will not just be destroying our memories there, you will be destroying a piece of land that symbolizes, among many things, the music revolution, a way of life, and the history of a people.
Please, Chancellor Broski, weigh the pros and cons of this one. I'm sure you'll see that Maxwell Street deserves the chance to thrill future generations while preserving the epic story of the legends it created and the major influences it has to this day.
Sincerely,
Stacy Blasiola
Assistant Editor "Pulse"
Bradley Scout
Bradley University
web page provided by OPENAIR-MARKET NET
return to Preserve Maxwell Street