Kelvin “Kelly” Kelkenberg Day

At last night’s council meeting, Mayor Harris, Council Member Thomas and Council Member Whitlock presented Kimberly Kelkenberg, wife of the late Kelvin Kelkenberg, with a proclamation proclaiming February 14, 2022 as Kelvin “Kelly” Kelkenberg Day in the CIty of Duluth.

Photo of Mayor Harris, Kimberly Kelkenberg, Council Member Thomas and Council Member Whitlock.
Pictured from left to right: Mayor Harris, Kimberly Kelkenberg, Council Member Thomas, Council Member Whitlock.

Council Member Kelkenberg was in his 3rd term, having served ten years on City Council when he passed away following a three-year battle with cancer in August of 2021. He was a passionate supporter of all things Duluth and was part of a team that saw the development of Parsons Alley and city-wide growth. He was a mentor and friend to many. His legacy will continue to impact our city for generations to come.

Photo of Kelvin "Kelly" Kelkenberg
Kelvin “Kelly” Kelkenberg

The proclamation reads:

Whereas, Kelvin “Kelly” Kelkenberg served on the Zoning Board of Appeals from 2005-2009 as well as the Planning Commission from 2009-2010.  He also participated in and graduated from the Duluth L.E.A.D. program in 2008; and

Whereas, Kelly was elected to and wholeheartedly served on the Duluth City Council from 2011-2021; and

Whereas, Kelly was elected to the Executive Board of the Gwinnett Municipal Association (GwMA) in 2018, serving as Vice President in 2019 and President in 2020, and from whom he received the Leadership and Service Award for exceptional service; and

Whereas, Kelly was appointed to the Gwinnett County Transit Review and Recommendation Committee where, in 2018 and 2019, he helped lead the development of a plan to bring to the citizens for a vote; and

Whereas, Kelly was appointed to the Urban Redevelopment Agency in 2021 to help guide the use of TAD related Bond funds for further enhancement of Duluth’s remarkable downtown; and

Whereas, on numerous occasions, Kelly was called upon for his unique expertise for matters such as helping the City to avoid becoming a victim of cyber-attacks, assisting with the preparation for Tropical Storm Irma and dealing with the complex issues associated with the Covid-19 pandemic; and

Whereas, Kelly regularly participated in the Georgia Municipal Association meetings and activities, including being a member of the Federal Policy Committee and earning a Certificate of Dedication for his training hours; and

Whereas, Kelly was heavily involved in numerous local organizations, giving his time and talent generously; and

Whereas, council members that served with Kelly appreciated his unrelenting commitment to the community; and

Whereas, Kelly was a loving, devoted husband, father, son, grandfather, brother, and friend.

Now, therefore, I, Nancy Harris, Mayor of Duluth, on behalf of the council, citizens and staff of Duluth do hereby recognize February 14, 2022, as Kelvin “Kelly” Kelkenberg Day in the City

New development coming to Downtown Duluth!

The parking lot located between Truck & Tap and Taylor Park, affectionally known to many as the Paver Lot, will be closed long-term for construction starting early morning on Tuesday, February 15. The area is being developed by Fabric Developers, LLC and Vantage Realty Partners in conjunction with the City of Duluth and was designed by Studio SOGO. While a completion date is not certain, we hope that the space will be reopened for even better enjoyment in the spring of 2023.
We hope our growth didn’t cause you to lose your favorite parking spot! Fortunately, there is plenty of parking in Downtown Duluth just steps away. An updated parking map can be found here on our website.

Black History Month Events in Gwinnett County

 

Hosted by the Duluth Library

African American Genealogy –Saturday, February 12, 2:00pm – Discover tips and tricks to successfully find your African American ancestors using GCPL genealogy library resources and databases. Learn More

BlackSuperHero-Con – Saturday, February 19, 1:00-3:00pm – Join us for a day of trivia, games, and more as we celebrate the legacy of Black Superhero comics during Black History Month. All ages (and costumes) welcome! Learn More

 

Hosted by Gwinnett County 

Black Heritage Night – February 11 from 6:30-9:30pm at the Shorty Howell Park Activity Building Community Room – A festival for one and all! Come for culture education and exposure, visit vendor booths showcasing African American historical and cultural merchandise. Learn More

Guess Who: Black Heritage – February 19 from 7:00-9:00pm at Lucky Shoals Park Community Recreation Center Community Room – Celebrate Black History month with this fun, interactive game. Find clues, answer trivia and solve puzzles to move to the next level. Light refreshments will be served. $5 fee. Learn More

Bus Tour: Black History Month – February 26 from 10:00am-5:00pm – Come tour some of Gwinnett’s rich African American historic landmarks. The tour will visit the Salem Missionary Baptist Church, Elisha Winn House and more. Register before February 21 by calling 770.822.5178.

 

Hosted by the Aurora Theatre

Shirley Chisholm: Unbossed & Unbowed – Multiple Friday/Saturday/Sunday dates in February – Unbossed & Unbowed is an immersive and interactive solo show about the 1st African-America woman to run for Presidency of the U.S. In the 1960s and ‘70s, this Brooklyn-born daughter of Caribbean parents was on a mission. They called her the black Joan of Arc. She called herself Fighting Shirley as she faced off against the political machine in the name of justice. Learn More