The MLK, Jr. Memorial

Today (the 48th anniversary of the very famous, "I Have A Dream" speech) was supposed to be the dedication of the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial. Unfortunately, due to Hurricane Irene, those festivities will be rescheduled for a future time. The MLK Memorial opened to the public on August 22, 2011 in Washington, D.C. The location of the Memorial is southwest of the National Mall near the Roosevelt Memorial and the scenic Tidal Basin. The official address is 1964 Independence Ave. SW to commemorate the year other Civil Rights Act of 1964 was signed into legislation. MLK, JR. is one of only four non-presidents to receive such an honor near the National Mall.

The Memorial was a direct result of the efforts of King's own fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha, Inc. for leading a 25 year campaign to have the Memorial erected. They are largely responsible for leading the efforts to raise the $120 million dollars to fund the project. Construction began in December, 2009 and the press was given a first look a year later. The Memorial consists of  a 30 foot high "Stone of Hope" which is an actual replica of Dr. King himself, who appears to be looking out over the Tidal Basin at the Jefferson Memorial. It is fitting to note that the cherry blossoms will be in full bloom during the anniversary of King's death. The "Stone of Hope" stands just past two other granite pieces which symbolize, "the mountain of despair." King's speech included the line: "Out of a mountain of despair, a stone of hope."  As a visitor, one would have to pass through" the mountain of despair" to get to the "stone of hope," a symbolic reference to King's struggle throughout his life. In addition to these, there is a 450 foot inscription wall which includes excerpts from King's sermons and speeches delivered between 1955 when the Montgomery Bus Boycott occurred and his final "I Have A Dream" speech in 1968, delivered four days before his assassination.

The space was envisioned as a quiet peaceful place and will include 24 niches along the upper walkway to also commemorate the contributions of others who gave their lives to the civil rights movement. Some have been left blank and incomplete so that as other individuals are honored, they can be added. It will enhance a visitor's ability to reflect on the great contributions and legacy of Dr. King. Of course the hope and intent is that a the memorial will be a public sanctuary that can be enjoy by future generations  regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or gender.

While the celebrity studded festivities had to be cancelled and many were very disappointed, it is important to note that the monument is open. It took 25 years of fundraising and fighting but it came to fruition.  I can't wait to visit with my children. I am sure we will be moved and touched by the sheer magnitude of the memorial. More importantly, it will give us an opportunity to reflect on Dr. King's contribution to our current lifestyle and how far we have come in such a short period of time. We do still have a long way to go as far as race relations are concerned(and you can't argue with me on that point because I lived in southern Georgia so I know from personal experience).  It will also give me yet another opportunity to instill in them a deeper sense of duty to be a responsible and conscientious citizen who champions freedom and democracy. So my friends, if you are in the DC area, go visit. If you aren't, put it on your list of things to see when you visit the area. Whether you embraced Dr. King and his philosophies or not, you have been impacted by his dream to see the civil right of ALL individuals realized.

Copyright August, 28, 2011 by Pamela Cole Thorpe