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Friday, October 30, 2026Oct 30

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David Cook: Will MLK return?

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photo David Cook

Why is M.L. King Boulevard – a road with deep history and spirit, in the heart of downtown, near a university, in a city repeatedly named one of the best places to live in America – so terribly empty and depressed?

Tuesday. Lunchtime. The street (not counting white-owned Champy’s fried chicken joint, which is always packed) was nearly empty. Boarded-up buildings. For-sale signs. Empty lots.

Wasn’t long ago that Main Street looked the same way. Now, people say it’s the hippest place in town.

Wasn’t long ago that the North Shore was forgotten. Now, it’s known throughout the South.

(And Glass Street?)