Honoring the Dream at the Official Dedication of the Martin Luther King Jr Memorial

Martin Luther King Jr Memorial

Attended by over 30,000 people from around the country, the much anticipated dedication of the memorial of American civil rights icon Dr Martin Luther King, Jr took place today in Washington, D.C. First scheduled for August 28th 2011, the 48th anniversary of the famous Dream speech, this event was delayed by an east coast earthquake and hurricane Irene.

The Monument

Named The Stone of Hope, the 30 feet tall depiction of Martin Luther King, Jr. emerging from a granite mountain stands on 4 acres on the National Mall, Washington D.C., inspired by Dr King’s 1963 Dream speech quote, “Out of the mountain of despair, a stone of hope.”

The statue is, according to The Root, “flanked by a crescent-shaped wall inscribed with 14 excerpts from some of King’s most notable sermons and speeches. Further enhancing the site are 182 cherry blossom trees, which will reach full bloom each April, the month of King’s death. And the memorial’s street address, 1964 Independence Avenue, references the 1964 Voting Rights Act, a milestone of the civil rights movement.”

Designed and created by 57 year old Chinese sculptor Lei Yixin (also credited for statues of Mao Tse-Tung), this was a project that took 15 years to complete.

While controversy has swirled around this monument since its late August unveiling, ranging from the choice of a Chinese sculptor over an American, it’s $120 million price tag, to concerns from several well wishers about a Dr King who looks intimidating, unapproachable and gigantic unlike the humble man who stood at only 5 feet 3 tall, most including his children remain in support of the efforts of the Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial Foundation in bringing this to fruition.

Most notably, was poet and author Maya Angelou’s concerns about this inscription on the monument: “I was a drum major for justice, peace and righteousness” which in her opinion lost it’s true meaning when shortened and makes Dr King appear “arrogant”.

The full original quote was from a sermon Dr King gave not long before his death during which he spoke about his eulogy: “If you want to say that I was a drum major, say that I was a drum major for justice. Say that I was a drum major for peace. I was a drum major for righteousness. And all of the other shallow things will not matter.”

However, about 1.5 million visitors are reported to have visited the monument since it’s August opening.

The official Dedication

On this bright October fall day amidst lots of sunshine and joyous sounds of music, tens of thousands came together to pay homage to Dr King, remember the things he stood for and to most importantly reignite the dream and turn it into action.

Very much present were the King children, grand children and several members of the family. Speakers included son Martin Luther King III, daughter Bernice King, Rev Joseph Lowry, newsman Dan Rather, Andrew Young (former Atlanta Mayor, UN ambassador and King aide), Rev Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton. Poet Nikki Giovanni read a poem entitled “In the Spirit of Martin”. Aretha Franklin delivered a perfect rendition of “Precious Lord”, a song often requested by Dr King. America’s beloved Stevie Wonder also entertained the crowd with “Happy Birthday” a song he composed during the height of the civil rights movement.

“Yes, my father had a dream. It was a dream that was deeply embedded in the American dream. The problem is the American dream of 50 years ago … has turned into a nightmare for millions who have lost their jobs and homes. The nation has “lost its soul, when it tolerates such vast economic disparities, teen bullying, and having more people of color in prison than in college…” said Martin King III, supporter of the ongoing Wall Street rally.

U.S. congressman John Lewis of Georgia, 23 years old at the time of The Dream speech who worked closely with Dr King, wrote on the White House Blog, “Thus it is fitting and so appropriate that we honor Martin Luther King Jr. in what I like to call “the frontyard of America”. He must be looked upon as one of the founders of the New America. He must be looked upon as one of the founders of a nation more prepared to meet its highest destiny. And that is why the image of this humble Baptist minister from Atlanta, Georgia, a man who was never elected to any public office, can be seen today standing on the National Mall between the monuments to two great presidents—Abraham Lincoln and Thomas Jefferson.”

In many ways, the official dedication of this very first monument honoring an African American on the mall — by the very first black president of the nation shows just how far the nation has come in half a century. President Obama, undoubtedly a beneficiary of Dr King’s legacy, only 6 years old when Dr King was assassinated, left a copy of his inaugural speech in a time capsule at the monument. He has always credited Dr King for paving his way to the White House.

Here is President Obama’s keynote speech:

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