The life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. is celebrated on this day, although we should recognize the great things African Americans have done every day, all year long. Morgan Steward and his family always take the time to look into and explore other areas of black culture. Here are their experiences at the Martin Luther King Center in downtown Atlanta, Georgia.
Visiting the Martin Luther King Center
The mission of the King Center is to educate and empower people to create a just, equitable and peaceful world, applying Dr. King’s nonviolent philosophy. The museum has lots of memorabilia from Dr. King’s past. You can also visit Dr. and Mrs. King’s crypt and the Freedom Hall, which is an exhibition center for programs and special events.
The Martin Luther King Jr. Reflecting Pool
After Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated in 1968, he was carried to Southview Cemetery. In 1970, his remains were moved to the current King Center campus. Here is what Morgan had to say about the reflecting pool.
“What’s most beautiful is that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his wife, Corretta Scott King, have been laid to rest in a tomb in the middle of a reflecting pool at the King Center. The tombstones have their names engraved on them and are raised above the water’s surface, completely surrounded. Plus, there is the eternal flame set up right across from the tombstones and it shines constantly.”
The Eternal Flame symbolizes the continuing effort to realize Dr. King’s dream of a “beloved community,” that offers justice, peace and equality for all.
The Childhood Home of Martin Luther King Jr.
Dr. King’s childhood home is near the King Center, located at 501 Auburn Avenue NE. The family lived there until 1941. Tours of the home are conducted by the National Park Service and registration is required at the visitor’s center. Tours are limited to 15 people and run every 30 minutes. Here’s what Morgan had to say about wheelchair accessibility at Dr. King’s birth home.
“The house has a wheelchair elevator. The elevator was built onto the back of the house for visitors who need wheelchair accessibility to view the first and second floor. There is a ranger from the National Park Service who gives tours and provides insight into how the family lived. It’s so amazing.”
The Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church
The Ebenezer Baptist Church is located at 407 Auburn Avenue. Dr. King served as the co-pastor for the church in 1947, leaving briefly to attend Crozer Theological Seminary in 1948. From 1960 until his death, Dr. King returned to co-pastor the church.
Click here to read Morgan’s full blog.
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