One of the most memorable things we did while in Atlanta was visit the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park.
I admit that my knowledge of Martin Luther King, Jr. is limited to just what I learned about in school, so it was fascinating to learn and see all that we did at the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park.
The park itself spans several components that includes:
The Visitors Center, which had numerous profound exhibits on the history of segregation and Martin Luther King, Jr.'s work.
The Birth Home of Martin Luther King, Jr. is currently undergoing renovations and not expected to re-open for tours until 2025, so a brief talk led by a park ranger with photos from the house is conducted at the gift shop next door.
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Gift Shop
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At the talk, we learned about Martin Luther King, Jr.'s home, childhood, and the history of that time period.
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| Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birth Home |
The King family was wealthy, and lived in a very modern home with many high end appliances for the time. The street they lived on, Auburn Ave., was once one of the wealthiest streets in the nation.
Auburn Ave definitely has changed over the years, and the park ranger stressed how adapting to change and being ready for change is very important in life.
I learned that Martin Luther King, Sr. built a birthing room in his home to allow his wife to give birth at home versus in a hospital, as he felt the hospitals were unsafe because of all the racism, and he was worried that something would happen to all his babies.
I also learned that as a child, one of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s best friends was white, and his friend was told he could no longer play with him because he was black. This had a tremendous impact on him.
The BEHOLD Monument pays homage to Martin Luther King, Jr.'s philosophies, symbolizing the sacrifices one makes for one's children, and the hope of a brighter future - one with less hate and violence; one in which people from all over the world can learn how to co-exist together.
Fire Station No. 6 served the community.
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| Fire Station No. 6 |
The King Center, which is home to numerous exhibits in the Freedom Hall, as well as Dr. & Mrs King's tombs.
The "I Have a Dream" World Peace Rose Garden had a few blooms, as well as poignant remarks from people from around the world.
The Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, where Martin Luther King, Jr. was baptized, ordained as a minister, and became a co-pastor with his father.
There were so many lessons and new facts learned during our visit.
It was both somber, yet inspirational, to walk through Auburn Ave. and visit the various sites throughout the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park.
Although Martin Luther King, Jr.'s dreams have yet to come true, the world continues to make strides every day, thanks to the courageous people like him.
"I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. I have a dream today."
Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park450 Auburn Ave NE
Atlanta, GA 30312
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