Discovering The King Center
The Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change, commonly known as The King Center, is located in Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is universally recognized as a key figure in American history, particularly for his involvement in the Civil Rights Movement during the mid-20th century.
The King Centre was established in 1968 by Coretta Scott King, Dr. King's widow, in dedication to his work and influence. Today, The King Center is a historic site and an active educational institution, attracting nearly a million visitors each year who come to learn about Dr. King’s life and his philosophy of nonviolence.
Who Was Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.?
Born on January 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr was a preacher and leader whose commitment to social justice, equality, and nonviolent activism changed the course of history. King’s journey into leadership began in the 1950s when he was chosen to lead the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a campaign linked to Rosa Parks that challenged the segregation of public transportation. The boycott’s success marked the beginning of King’s rise as a national figure in the fight against racial injustice.
Over the next decade, Dr. King led numerous peaceful protests and delivered speeches that inspired millions, including his "I Have a Dream" speech delivered during the 1963 March on Washington. His philosophy of nonviolent resistance was heavily influenced by the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi and his Christian faith.
In recognition of his efforts, Dr. King was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964, becoming the youngest recipient of the prize at that time. His work formed the foundation for which critical legislation was passed, such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
Tragically, Dr. King's life was cut short when he was assassinated on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee. However, his legacy continues to live on through The King Center and other institutions that promote justice, peace, and equality in his name.
Creating The King Center
Founding the Center
The King Center was established by Coretta Scott King on June 26, 1968, just a few months after the tragic assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. As the founder, Coretta envisioned the Center as a living memorial dedicated to preserving the teachings of her late husband.
Coretta’s efforts allowed the Center to become a repository of Dr. King's work and promote his philosophy of nonviolence, known as Nonviolence365. This philosophy emphasizes the power of love and truth—the Beloved Community Network—in overcoming oppression and injustice.
Educational Programs
From its inception, The King Center has been committed to empowering individuals and communities through education, training, advocacy, and activism. In pursuit of this mission, The King Center offers a variety of educational programs and initiatives designed to engage people of all ages in the principles of nonviolent social change. These programs include workshops, seminars, and conferences that teach participants how to apply Dr. King’s teachings in their own lives and communities.
Coretta Scott King’s Accomplishments
Coretta Scott King was an impressive figure in her own right. A graduate of Antioch College and the New England Conservatory of Music, she met Dr. King while studying in Boston. Beyond founding the King Center, she was instrumental in the creation of the Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Holiday. Mrs. King also played a critical role in the establishment of the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, creating a space where future generations can learn about the Civil Rights Movement.
Coretta also ensured the preservation of historical sites, like the King Birth Home and Ebenezer Baptist Church, both integral parts of the King Center. The King Library and Archives, another of her initiatives, houses the largest collection of primary source materials on Dr. King and the Civil Rights Movement in the world.
Features of The King Center
Dr. & Mrs. King’s Crypt
Constructed from Georgia marble, the crypt of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King is a central feature of The King Center. Initially interred at Southview Cemetery, Dr. King's remains were moved to the current site in 1970, and in 2006, Coretta Scott King's remains were also placed in this memorial.
Coretta Scott King Peace and Meditation Garden
The Coretta Scott King Peace and Meditation Garden, which includes the Coretta Scott King Rose, also features a monument dedicated to Coretta. This monument, designed by artist Saya Woolfalk, features a hand-crafted sculpture that amplifies visitors' voices. In this manner the monument acts as a reminder of the power of individual contributions to the fight for justice.
The Eternal Flame
The Eternal Flame at The King Center symbolizes the ongoing pursuit of Dr. King's vision of a "Beloved Community"—a world characterized by justice, peace, and equality. This perpetual flame is a poignant reminder of the commitment to realizing Dr. King's dream.
Freedom Hall
Freedom Hall is the primary exhibition and event space at The King Center. It houses a grand foyer adorned with art from Africa and Georgia, and features the Yolanda D. King Theatre for the Performing Arts, a bookstore, and a resource center. The second floor of Freedom Hall holds exhibits honoring Dr. and Mrs. King, Mahatma Gandhi, and Rosa Parks.
Dr. King’s Birth Home
Located at 501 Auburn Avenue, NE, Atlanta, GA, Dr. King's birth home is an essential part of The King Center’s offerings. Tours of this historic site are led by park rangers and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The home, situated in the heart of the "Sweet Auburn" district, offers insights into Dr. King's early life and upbringing.
Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church
Ebenezer Baptist Church, located at 407 Auburn Avenue, NE, is where Dr. King’s journey began. Dr. King served as co-pastor here from 1947 until his assassination in 1968. The church has been restored to reflect its state during Dr. King’s tenure and is an integral part of the King National Historic Site.
The King Centre Library and Archives
The King Center’s archives include speeches, letters, photographs, and other historical documents, which are being preserved and digitized to bring Dr. King’s teachings to a modern audience. By making these materials available to researchers, educators, and the public, The King Center is helping to keep Dr. King’s legacy alive and relevant in the digital age.
Awards from The King Centre
One of the most prestigious awards presented by the King Center is the Martin Luther King Jr. Nonviolent Peace Prize. This award celebrates individuals who have made significant contributions to the promotion of peace and nonviolent social change. Recipients of this award include figures such as César Chávez, Rosa Parks, and Corazon Aquino, each of whom has demonstrated nonviolence in their life's work.
Visiting The King Center
The King Center does have self-guided tours, but visits to Dr. King’s Birth Home require pre-registration at the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site Visitor Center.
Start your visit by parking on Johns Wesley Dobbs Avenue and following the Civil Rights Walk of Fame. Visit the King Center’s outdoor campus to pay respects at the crypt of Dr. and Mrs. King, view the Reflecting Pool and Eternal Flame, and explore exhibits at Freedom Hall. The Center's library and archives provide access to a wealth of information on Dr. King's life and work, offering an educational experience as well.
Tips for Visitors
- Transportation: Consider taking the Atlanta Streetcar. Parking is available at the visitor parking lot.
- Hours: The King Center is open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, but is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
- Admission: Both admission and parking are free.
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