Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial in Washington, DC

The Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial in Washington, DC will honor Dr. King’s national and international contributions and vision for all to enjoy a life of freedom, opportunity, and justice. One of the most prestigious sites remaining on the National Mall in Washington, DC has been selected for a memorial for Martin Luther King, Jr., adjacent to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial, between the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials. The expected completion date is summer 2011.

See Photos of the planned design of the Memorial

Construction of the Martin Luther King Memorial

A ceremonial groundbreaking for the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial was held on November 13, 2006. Speakers at the ceremony included former president Bill Clinton, Talk show host Oprah Winfrey and poet Maya Angelou. In October 2009, the National Capital Planning Commission gave final approval to a new security configuration, clearing the way for construction to begin on the Memorial. It will be the first major memorial along the National Mall to be dedicated to an African-American, and to a non-president.

Design of the Memorial

The Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial will occupy the northeast corner of the Tidal Basin and will convey three themes that were central throughout Dr. King’s life – democracy, justice, and hope. The centerpiece of the Memorial will be the “Stone of Hope”, a 30-foot statue of Dr. King, with a wall that will be inscribed with excerpts of his sermons and public addresses.

Official Website

www.mlkmemorial.org