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Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial

Out of the mountain of despair, a stone of hope.
— Martin Luther King, Jr.
A Stone of Hope
Stand in awe of the man who led a movement that inspired a nation. Reflect on our country’s history during your visit to its capital.
Take in the power of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy and the struggle for freedom, equality, and justice.

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial honors Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the movement he led, and his message of freedom and equality. Through his powerful gift of speech and eloquent writing, Dr. King’s inspiring words broke the boundaries of intolerance and solidified his place in history as a pivotal figure in the civil rights movement.

Dedicated in 2011, the memorial design references Dr. King’s 1963 iconic “I Have a Dream” speech, symbolizing both the struggle of the civil rights movement, as well as his hope for a better future. A wall of quotes from Dr. King’s long civil rights career presents his ideals of peace, democracy, justice, and love. The memorial is the first to honor an African American individual on the National Mall, as well as the first on the National Mall to honor a citizen activist, rather than a United States President or war hero.