When people think of the Civil Rights Movement, Dr. Martin Luther King’s name comes to mind. His teachings of non-violent methods permeated throughout the nation during the early 60s. His views sparked other activists to send non-violent messages despite their
being victimized against.
King became the youngest person to receive the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1977. His most popular speech is the now famous ‘I Have a Dream’ address which he gave on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial on August 28, 1963. Over 200,000 supporters were in attendance to the 17-minute speech,
that called for racial equality and an end to discrimination.
In 1986, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day was established as a federal holiday. Twenty-five years later, we are honoring him with a massive sculpture of Dr. King himself, inscribed with 14 of his most memorable quotations. Twenty-five years in the making, the official dedication
to the statue will take place on August 28 year, the 48th anniversary of his historic speech, President Barack Obama is due to speak at the event.
According to reports, the sheer size of the sculpture of Dr King sets it apart from nearby statues of Jefferson and Lincoln, which are both about 20ft (6m) tall, though inside larger monuments.
What does this monument mean for Americans? It is a HUGE representation on our progress. A national monument of a black man in recognition of his tireless efforts to improve society.
Coincidentally, a black president is in office during such a momentous occasion and will be officiating the event. BET is planning a special honoring King’s legacy in the coming weeks as well.
Over the next week, thousands are expected to make their way to Washington, D.C. for the official dedication to the statue this coming weekend. If you can’t make it to the event, that’s ok. Dr. O will be there and will be sure to give a report on the day’s events. Stay
tuned…
But for now, check out these photos of the monument.
It’s been a long time coming. What do you think this means for us as
Americans? Are you proud of the monument or do you think it’s well
overdue?
