November 13, 2006 - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, famed and noted African American civil rights activist, humanitarian, father, reverend and world icon will get his due recognition in the Nation’s Capital as the first African American to be honored with a memorial on the National Mall.

The Martin Luther King, Jr. memorial groundbreaking ceremony, spearheaded by Dr. King’s fraternity, Alph Phi Alpha, Inc., was held near the Tidal Basin, not far from where Dr. King delivered his “I Have A Dream Speech” in 1963.

It was a great day for all those who had marched, prayed, and struggled with Dr. King, his wife Coretta Scott King, and their family during the civil rights movement. 

For the activists who, in the face of violence and bigotry, upheld the principles of non-violence, dignity, and justice in his name sake, the day marked a momentous moment in history that finally arrived after more than a decade-long effort to bring the memorial to fruition.

When completed, the Memorial will be positioned between the Lincoln Memorial and the memorial honoring Thomas Jefferson, who wrote the Declaration of Independence declaring, “…That all men are created equal”. 

Former President Bill Clinton, who signed congressional legislation in 1993 proposing the establishment of the memorial said, “This memorial belongs here”, as he addressed a welcoming crowd.

Talk show host, and The Covenant With Black America author, Tavis Smiley , along with CNN anchor Soledad O’Brien moderated the ceremony headlined with the likes of Ms. Oprah Winfrey, (who referred to Dr. King as “the quintessential American”); Dr. Maya Angelou, designer Tommy Hilfiger, and Dr. Dorothy Height, all of whom gave their own individual account as to the importance and significance of the Martin Luther King, Jr. memorial.

 

ABC’s Good Morning America host, Diane Sawyer, read a letter written for the occasion by former president of South Africa, Nelson Mandela, who could not be in attendance for ceremony, but reminded us in his letter that “an injustice to one is an injustice to all.”

 

Stirring and soulful musical performances were given by gospel artist BeBe Winans, as he sang the gospel favorite, Stand.

As participants and guests of the ceremony prepared to turn the first parcel of dirt with the ceremonial shovels, many were overcome with emotion.  Former Ambassador Andrew Young began to weep as he addressed the crowed, and was comforted by Reverend Jesse Jackson, who was also overcome with sentiments.

The memorial celebration continued with a gala dinner hosted by actor, Nick Cannon who stated he would share the history lessons he learned from the occasion with his generation.

Actor Laurence Fishburn told the evening audience that he missed the opportunity to witness history when at seven years old he was taken to his grandmother’s home by his mother while she went to Dr. King’s funeral. He stated it was paramount that he bring his daughter with him to the ceremony so that she could witness and be a part of this historic occasion.

R&B singer Brian McKnight performed the 1970s single It’s So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday; and Michael Bolton sang his song, written for the King family, The Courage To Stand Alone.

Providing additional soulful sounds was Ms. Gladys Knight who sang a rendition of Ella Fitzgerald’s, Stormy Weather, followed by her Motown hits Heard It Through the Grapevine, and Midnight Train to Georgia.

Support and donations for the memorial fund continued to pour in from individuals, groups, and corporations around the country. Coca Cola and Federal Express gave handsomely in support of the Dr. King memorial project, as did Dr. King's alma mater, Morehouse College.

The memorial is expected to be completed by 2008.

About Dr. King

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MLK, Jr.  Speeches

MLK, Jr. Papers

The MLK, Jr. Memorial Fund Supporters 

MLK, Jr. Memorial Ceremony pics 

Special Thanks.  Thank you, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, for your act of kindness during the memorial ceremony.

Thank you, Ms. Oprah Winfrey, for lending a listening ear.

 

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Note:  DC Urban LifeStyle Magazine is challenging its readers to donate a minimum of $25 (or more) to help with the building of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. 

Here's how you can contibute to history in the making.