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Symbolism
- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a master orator and is shown speaking
to the public
- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. changed the way America viewed
each other through his speeches
- Balustrade represents barrier of inequality
- Balustrade
is curved to show him pushing against this barrier
- Dr. Martin Luther King,
Jr. is shown reaching over and beyond this barrier symbolizing that equality can
be possible
- Balustrade is a simple form representing the times he was
jailed for his beliefs-his sacrifice for the freedom of others
- This sacrifice
is exemplified in the baluster's main support breaking the shackles/handcuffs
of restraint and oppression
- Balustrade is also curved to reflect and compliment
the oval form of the platform
- Plaques inlaid into the retaining wall
have quotations from his speeches; all reflecting Dr. King's quest for FREEDOM
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Inset
Black Granite Plaques
Plaque
#1 Dr. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.
January 15, 1929 - April 4, 1968
(In
the center of the 2ft. retaining wall below sculpture)
Plaque
#2
"I HAVE A DREAM"
(On the left of the 2ft. retaining
wall below sculpture) Plaque #3
"Free
at last. Free at last. Thank God Almighty, we are free at last."
(On the
right of the 2ft. Retaining wall below sculpture) |
Inlaid
Black Granite Plaques with Quotes
Plaque
#4 "Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking
from the cup of bitterness and hatred. We must forever conduct our struggle on
the high plain of dignity and discipline."
"I Have A Dream"
August 28, 1963
Lincoln Memorial, Washington, D.C. Plaque #5 "For
when people get caught up with that which is right and they are willing to sacrifice
for it, there is no stopping point short of victory."
"I've Been
To The Mountaintop" April 3, 1968
Masonic Temple, Memphis, Tennessee Plaque
#6 "I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will
have the final word in reality."
Nobel Prize Acceptance Speech December
10, 1964
Oslo, Norway Plaque #7 "Injustice anywhere
is a threat to justice everywhere."
Letter from Birmingham Jail April
16, 1963
Birmingham, Alabama 
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