What a loss in the renaming of the Franco Center. How sad that some members of the board were persuaded that a name change was needed to “broaden appeal.”

This name change shows little regard for the history and intent of its founding. The center was established to celebrate and highlight an important part of Lewiston’s history.

Words do matter. The name Franco Center showed pride of place. The new name (Riverfront Performing Arts & Events) adds a tagline mentioning Franco-Americans. This waters down the goals of its founders.

Cultural diversity is enriched by acknowledging cultural identity. A name change was not needed to be inclusive.

I thank the visionaries who worked so hard to save and transform this beautiful church into a performance center. I want to thank those who contributed to its birth and to its survival during the bleakest days of the pandemic.

No matter the name, the venue will continue to host a variety of excellent programs. I ask the current board to rethink this decision and appreciate the value of history.

Marcia Baxter, Lewiston