Interview by Ibrahim Dabo (@IbDabo)
Speaking exclusively to Ib Talk Online ahead of the official dedication of the memorial to the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., Martin Luther King III said the occasion means a lot not just to his family.
“It’s important, certainly to our family, but I believe the most significant part of the memorial itself is that generations yet unborn will be inspired by what it represents,” Martin Luther King III told Ib Talk Online.
He said there really is still a lot of work to be done but it’s quite amazing that in the arena where historically there have been presidents and war memorials, there now is a man of peace.
“It is really very amazing and I don’t think we yet realize this moment but over time I think it will become more appreciated,” he said.
“The other thing is that it also diversifies the history of America. We’ve never had an African American on the mall and now we do.”
Thousands of people attended the dedication on October 16 including civil rights leaders such as Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.), the Rev. Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton. President Obama gave an address during the ceremony.
