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