At the MLK, Jr. Memorial

From the opening weekend back in August.  If we're going to fill the Mall with monuments, then thank goodness there is one for MLK Jr.  The main statue looks as if it is coming out of the stones at the entrance, and it is surrounded by King's words.  That opening weekend there were 20-somethings discussing the usefulness (or lack thereof) of a big statue and older men and women with tears in their eyes.  Aside from the controversy over the misquote, the site is beautiful and powerful, inviting contemplation, pride and hope.

Visiting encouraged me to introduce Dr. King to my son. And while there is a lot of time for him to learn the complexity of history, we found Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by Doreen Rappaport to be a simple, captivating and beautiful introduction.