Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial: Difference between revisions
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* The figure emerges from the "'''Mountain of Despair'''", referencing a line from his 1963 “I Have a Dream” speech: | * 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." | > "Out of the mountain of despair, a stone of hope." | ||
* Designed by Chinese sculptor | * Designed by Chinese sculptor '''Lei Yixin''' | ||
* Surrounded by a 450-foot '''Inscription Wall''' with 14 quotes from Dr. King’s speeches, sermons, and writings | * Surrounded by a 450-foot '''Inscription Wall''' with 14 quotes from Dr. King’s speeches, sermons, and writings | ||
Revision as of 15:43, 22 July 2025
| 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