| 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