Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial

Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
The Stone of Hope at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Washington, D.C. honors **Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.**, the most visible leader of the **American civil rights movement**. It recognizes his dedication to equality, justice, peace, and nonviolent protest.

Location

• Situated along the Tidal Basin in West Potomac Park
• Positioned between the Lincoln Memorial and Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
• Faces the Jefferson Memorial, symbolizing a dialogue between the Declaration of Independence and civil rights

Design and Symbolism

• Features a 30-foot-tall granite statue of Dr. King called the "Stone of Hope"
• The figure emerges from the "Mountain of Despair", referencing a line from his 1963 “I Have a Dream” speech:

 > "Out of the mountain of despair, a stone of hope."

• Designed by Chinese sculptor **Lei Yixin**
• Surrounded by a 450-foot Inscription Wall with 14 quotes from Dr. King’s speeches, sermons, and writings

History and Dedication

• Authorized by Congress in **1996**
• Groundbreaking occurred in **2006**
• Officially dedicated on **October 16, 2011**
• First memorial on the National Mall honoring an **African American** and a **non-president**

Themes and Impact

• Honors King's work in ending racial segregation and promoting civil rights through nonviolence
• Emphasizes universal themes of justice, democracy, and hope
• The memorial is a space for reflection and education about social justice

Fun Facts

• The memorial covers 4 acres
• Over 1.6 million people visit each year
• Dr. King shares the honor of being commemorated on the National Mall with presidents like Washington, Lincoln, and Jefferson

See Also

• Civil Rights Movement
• March on Washington
• I Have a Dream Speech
• Lincoln Memorial
• National Mall
• Black History in the United States