Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
Memorial Reverse:
“Now it doesn't matter.
(go ahead! go ahead! Sounding from the audience.)
It really doesn't matter what happens now.
I don't know what will happen now.
We've got some difficult days ahead, (yeah! oh yes!)
But it really doesn't matter with me now. (oh, yes!)
Because I've been to the mountaintop.
(cries and applause)
Like anybody I would like to live a long life.
Longevity has its place.
But I am not concerned about that now.
I just want to do God's will. And He's allowed me
to go up the mountain, (go ahead)
And I've looked over, (yes doctor)
And I've seen the Promised Land. (go ahead, doctor)
And I may not get there with you.
(yes sir, go ahead)
But I want you to know tonight that
we as a people will get to the Promised Land.
(applause, cries, go ahead, go ahead)
So I am happy tonight. I'm not worried
about anything. I'm not fearing any man.
Mine eyes have seen the glory of the
coming of the Lord. (cries and applause)
I have the dream this afternoon that
the brotherhood of man will become a reality.
With this faith, I will go out and carve
a tunnel of hope from the mountain of despair.
With this faith, we will be able to achieve
this new day, when all of God's children-
black men and white men,
Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics-
will be able to join hands and sing
with Negroes in the spiritual of old,
‘Free at last! Free at last!
Thank God almighty we are free at last.’”
This speech, made to the Sanitation Workers of Memphis, Tennessee, (April 3rd, 1968)
the night before Dr. King's assassination
Dedication:
This memorial, dedicated on June 15, 2007, is the result of the visionary efforts of Betty Palmer-Harris and a committee of diverse individuals, businesses, labor unions, and public entities co-chaired by Norbert and Barbara Peiker and Dr. James Harris and Betty Palmer-Harris.
A paved walkway lined by 39 boulders symbolizes the years of Dr. King's life on earth. The black granite wall, quarried in Zimbabwe, is etched with images and quotes that exemplify Dr. King's efforts to secure for every American the right to pursue the American dream.
The bronze bust of a young Dr. King was sculptured by artist Dale Slavin.
Marker is at the intersection of Diamond Street (Ohio Route 13) and Park Street North, on the left when traveling north on Diamond Street.
Courtesy hmdb.org
