Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke his most famous words during the 1963 March against Washington. King’s “I Have a Dream”Speech left an indelible impression on hundreds of thousands civil rights protestors that day, and will continue to do so for many generations. More than 45 years have passed since King’s words of inspiration rang out through the crowd, and plans to immortalize King’s legacy in a large-scale monument are rapidly becoming a reality.
Construction will begin at the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial site in early 2008. This four-acre parcel is located on Washington, D.C.’s National Mall. The Washington, DC Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project Foundation took over the helm of this historic project more than 20 years ago. The Foundation has been committed to King’s legacy and virtues, as well as humanity, for all people, regardless of race, colour, or creed, throughout this period.
“This year we will see the culmination of a decade’s worth of work,”Harry E. Johnson, Sr. is president and CEO at the MLK National Memorial Project Foundation. “We enthusiastically anticipate reaching a number of key milestones that will bring the national MLK Memorial one step closer to taking its permanent residence on the National Mall in our nation’s capital.”
The MLK Memorial, which will be located directly between the Lincoln Memorials and Jefferson Memorials, will be adjacent to FDR Memorial. The MLK Memorial’s centerpiece is the “Stone of Hope,”A three-story statue depicting King emerges from a granite stone wall. The landmark will be surrounded by cherry trees to emphasize themes of justice and love.
“To date, we have raised nearly $90 million for the MLK National Memorial Project -; but we are still working tirelessly to meet the $100-million goal required to actually build and maintain the memorial,”Johnson stated.
For more information about the Washington, DC Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project or to learn how to make a donation, visit www.BuildtheDream.orgCall 1-888-4-THEDREAM
