Last weekend, I decided to go to Washington, DC to see family and friends and also to view the monument to the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., which was recently unveiled on the Mall.
It was to have been dedicated on August 28th in a ceremony marking the anniversary of Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech but was postponed because of the arrival of Hurricane Irene.
As with most public art pieces, there has been some controversy. One, that the project did not go to an American and two, that Dr. King’s features look Asian.
I had assumed the sculptor would have been African-American, I had no idea that he was Chinese or that the competition had been open to international artists. But we must accept that we live in a global community. Most importantly, Dr. King’s work was about equality and fairness for everyone, not just black people.
I don’t think, like I’ve heard others say, that the rendering of his image makes him look Asian. I wonder though, if the sculptor’s identity had not revealed, if that idea would even have entered our minds.
Those issues aside, my observation or maybe my preference would have been for a likeness of Dr. King with a smile on his face. So many times, in photos, he’s smiling. Then again, I’m sure there would have been those who would have objected.
The first thing I saw as I entered the grounds were two large slabs of granite flanking the entrance. I couldn’t interpret what they meant until I noticed that the monument itself looked as if it had been cut from the center. Then it made sense. The granite represented the mountain. And as the quote that’s etched into the side of the monument noted, Out of the mountain of despair, a stone of hope.
Dr. King gazes quietly and reflectively over the Tidal Basin towards the Jefferson Memorial. His hands are folded, his legs are slightly apart. It is a peaceful and powerful pose.
Behind the sculpture is a wall that’s been inscribed with quotations from speeches that Dr. King made in the U.S. and around the world.
As I walked around, taking photos, looking at the sculpture, I couldn’t help thinking of the work that went into creating the memorial and the holiday to honor this remarkable man, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Fascinating and a controversial subject on the sculpture too… Like you, I wish he were smiling… But it’s fine. I’m glad the project has finally come to fruition… about time. TY! Great post.
Me too! I was thinking of all the activists and ordinary people who raised money and awareness about him. It’s great to see that it finally happened.
So sorry I’m not in the States to see this. Definitely on my places to see when I visit next summer!
Looks to be a fitting and impressive tribute. I love the inscriptions.
I saw Lionel Ritchie on Who Do You Think You Are on the telly the other day. That gave another glimpse into some African-American history – worth seeing.
It sure is, Narelle. I wish I could have gone to the inauguration.
You seem to get a lot of American programs in Australia. I didn’t realize that. I’ll have to check it out.
It’ll definitely be there when you return next summer. It was finally inaugurated on Oct 17th.