News Release

Ribbon Cutting for Outdoor Exhibition

Donald Bermudez

News Release Date: October 7, 2020

Contact: Rebecca Karcher, [phone]

Contact: Aimedra Kelley

ATLANTA - On Saturday, October 10, 2020, at 10:00 AM, the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park, in partnership with The King Center, will host a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of a new outdoor exhibit on the 40th Anniversary of the establishment of the park. The program will take place outside, underneath the canopy of the park’s Visitor Center, located at 450 Auburn Ave in Atlanta, GA. It is free and open to the public.

This year the National Park Service has been commemorating the passing of the 19th Amendment to the US Constitution, which granted women the right to vote nationwide. As a part of this commemoration the park received a grant from the National Park Foundation to create an exhibit that tells the important story of the influence of Coretta Scott King, and other women in Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s family, whose efforts and passion for preserving Dr. King’s legacy lead to the establishment of the park.

“My mother, Coretta Scott King was at the forefront in the conceptualization, development and designation of the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site,” stated Dr. Bernice A. King, CEO of The King Center. “She worked tirelessly with local, state and national officials to inform their perspectives on these areas of significance. Her efforts aided in the launch and the rehabilitation and preservation of the Sweet Auburn district. She helped to enact legislation that would serve to promote the King Birth home, Ebenezer Baptist Church and The King Center’s Freedom Hall Complex. In her work to preserve history, Coretta Scott King, a trailblazer, made history.”

The park was established on October 10, 1980 to preserve the places where Martin Luther King, Jr. was born, lived, worked, worshipped, and is buried; while interpreting the life experiences and significance of one of the most influential Americans in the 20th century. This outdoor exhibit, Coretta Scott King, Protecting*Planning*Preserving will feature panels that describe the history of the park and its establishment. QR codes will be on display near the exhibit and will enable visitors to utilize their phone to learn the history behind the images they see on the exhibit banners.

Superintendent Judy Forte states, “The Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park is grateful for the support of the National Park Foundation in helping us tell this important story. The park was established 40 years ago, through Coretta Scott King’s efforts and passion for preserving her husband’s legacy and memory. The park continues, every day, to inspire generations of people and educate the public on the life and legacy of Dr. King.”

 

-NPS-