nps.org
The unwavering commitment to equality, justice, and nonviolent protest of one of the premier civil rights leaders of the 20th century had a profound impact on U.S. and even world history both during his lifetime and in the more than half century since. And the holiday established in his name, celebrated on January 15, is a chance to celebrate diversity, explore the richness of history, and uphold the principles that MLK Jr. devotedly upheld. And these five spots across the country offer insight into not just King´s life, times, and accomplishments, but also his larger legacy, helping to promote African-American culture more broadly and bring it into the mainstream.
Atlanta: Birthplace and Home Base
Where it all began. The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site includes his childhood home, Ebenezer Baptist Church, where he preached, and the Martin Luther King Jr. Center. And expecially during this holiday weekend, there are a multitude of events and tributes surrounding Dr. King´s legacy.
ajay?suresh
New York City: Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture
Located in the Harlem neighborhood of upper Manhattan, this renowned cultural institution and research division of the New York Public Library system highlights the contributions not just of MLK but many other of African Americans throughout history. It has a distinguished history of its own, in fact, founded in the early 20th century, when it was known as the Division of Negro Literature, History, and Prints.It hosts a full schedule of fascinating exhibitions and events.
Ken Lund
San Francisco: African American Art & Culture Complex
Discover San Francisco's vibrant black arts and cultural scene at this vibrant, 35-year.old insitution on Fulton Street, win the Alamo Square neighborhood. Throughout the year you´ll find a rotation of exhibits as well as events, workshops, performances in a 203-seat theater, and various other programs
Selma, Alabama: Edmund Pettus Bridge & the Civil Rights Trail
This town of 18,000 in south central Alabama was a central focus in the voting-rights campagn of the 1960s, especially as the site of three marches to state capital Montgomery spearheaded by MLK as well as other figures such as Ralph Abernathy and the late eventual Congressman John Lewis. These marches were critical in marshalling support for the Voting Rights Act of 1965 - especially the first one, during which marchers were brutally beaten by police on this very bridge. Other important Civil Rights sites in Selma - part of a National Park Service historic trail - include the Brown Chapel AME Church where King spoke and the marches were prepared; the Selma Interpretive Center, and the National Voting Rights Museum and Institute.at the foot of Pettus Bridge.
Adam Jones
.
Washington DC: National Museum of African American History
Inaugurated by Barack Obama in 2016, this Smithsonian Insitution member is home to a wealth of exhibits depicting the struggles and eventaul triumphs of black Americans, from their African origins through the trans-Atlantic slave trade; brutal slavery in the United States; oppression in the South from the post-Civil-War through the Jim Crow period; the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s and 1970s (during which of course Dr. King loomed large indeed); and up to the present day. Both heartbreaking and inspiring.
Explore MLK´s legacy and African-American culture/history in general by booking cheap flights here.
Comments
I´ve been to several of these and but not the complexes in San Francisco and Harlem - will add to my musts on my next visit!