The dedication and grand opening of the new Martin Luther King Memorial in Washington DC will be held on August 28, 2011. Baby Boomers may recall that the date coincides with the 48th anniversary of the March on Washington – a political rally supporting civil and economic rights for Black Americans. It was at the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, August 28, 1963, where Dr. King delivered his famous, “I Have a Dream” speech. My own Aunt Sarah, then a civil rights minded school teacher traveled from New York City and was among the number of proud participants at that historic event where the crowd was estimated at between 200,000 to 300,000. It is anticipated that attendees at the upcoming dedication will surpass those figures.
Numerous events are scheduled prior to the official dedication on August 28, including concerts, luncheons, and a Dream Gala.
President Barack Obama will deliver remarks during the Dedication Ceremony on August 28. Other high profile personalities expected to play a role in the dedication ceremony and activities in the preceding week include Congressman John Lewis, Reverend Al Sharpton, Reverend Jesse Jackson, Reverend Joseph Lowery, General Colin Powell, Tom Brokaw, Maya Angelou, radio personality “The “Fly Jock” Tom Joyner, actor Jamie Fox, filmmaker George Lucas, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder and that isn’t the half of them.
Hotels in the District including the Embassy Suites are offering packaged deals including special rates, all-day Metro Passes and other commemorative benefits for those coming to the dedication. Numerous organizations from around the country are busing participants to the event that The Raleigh, NC/Wake Martin Luther King Celebration Committee calls the “Trip of a Lifetime.”