Unique MLK Memorials Across the U.S.
Sculptures and monuments honor the civil rights icon
by Brandon Gobel, AARP, January 9, 2018
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PHOTO BY: Getty Images
Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial
Washington, D.C.
En español | Located in West Potomac Park, MLK’s National Memorial was unveiled in 2011. Dr. King is the first African American to be honored with a memorial along the National Mall, and only the fourth person who wasn’t a president to be remembered in such a way.
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PHOTO BY: Kalman Zabarsky/Boston University Photography
Free at Last Sculpture
Boston
Built on the campus of Boston University is a sculpture of 50 doves. The art was inspired by words in King’s “I Have a Dream” speech. The upward-facing doves symbolize a rise in unity and peace in each of the 50 states.
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PHOTO BY: Andy Cross/Getty Images
King Pedestal
Denver
A monument at City Park documents key parts in the history of slavery, civil rights and King’s Nobel Peace Prize. Surrounded by statues of other activists, King’s was strategically placed and is “standing on the shoulders” of Rosa Parks, Mahātmā Gandhi, Frederick Douglas and Sojourner Truth.
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PHOTO BY: Richard Wong/Alamy
Memorial and Waterfall
San Francisco
Water flows over 12 glass panels set in granite at Yerba Buena Gardens. Each panel is inscribed with memorable words from King. The memorial also includes etched images from his “I Have a Dream” speech during the March on Washington in 1963.
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PHOTO BY: Darron Cummings/AP
Landmark for Peace Memorial
Indianapolis
Inside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park, a sculpture honors the social activist and Robert Kennedy, both of whom were assassinated. Kennedy (left), a presidential candidate, gave a memorable speech at this park the night King (right) was slain. Kennedy was killed two months later.
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PHOTO BY: Seattle Parks and Recreation
Park and Sculpture
Seattle
Inspired by King’s “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” speech on the day before his assassination, a granite “mountain” sculpture now memorializes his work for civil rights. The 30-foot piece of art is located within the nearly five-acre Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park.
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PHOTO BY: Jay Janner/AP
MLK Statue
Austin, Texas
A bronze statue sits on the East Mall at the University of Texas, Austin, in honor of the civil rights movement leader. In the statue, King is wearing his doctoral robe, an appropriate choice for a college campus setting.
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PHOTO BY: Richard Drew/AP
Cube Sculpture
New York
On the complex of Martin Luther King Jr. Educational Campus in New York is a unique steel piece of art featuring quotes and typography. The markings note key dates in King’s civil rights fight and initials of organization or people the Baptist minister was associated with in his quest for equality.
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PHOTO BY: Fresno State University
Peace Garden
Fresno, Calif.
A statute of MLK in his ministerial robes and holding a child is symbolic at California State University, Fresno. Artists say it represents innocence and King's concern with future generations. It was unveiled on what would have been his 80th birthday.
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PHOTO BY: The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change
The King Center
Atlanta
The Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change is near King’s childhood home and was started by his widow Coretta Scott King. Beyond the iconic reflecting pool entrance is Dr. & Mrs. Kings Crypt, the Eternal Flame and many archives.