Martin Luther King Jr Historic - www.nps.gov450 Auburn Ave Ne, Atlanta - (404) 331-5190
Martin Luther King Center - www.thekingcenter.org449 Auburn Ave Ne, Atlanta - (404) 526-8900
The Martin Luther King Center
Established in 1968 by Coretta Scott King, The King Center is the official, living memorial dedicated to the advancement of the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., leader of America’s greatest nonviolent movement for justice, equality and peace. (www.thekingcenter.org)
After going to the Jimmy Carter Presidential Center, I took the bus back into town. I was sitting with one of the people who worked at the Carter Center who saved me a trip (in and out) by telling me to walk 3 /4 blocks.
Since this was during a HUMID and very hot Heat wave (temps topping off at 102F), to say it was hot is an understatement! (I usually do not mind walking, I actually welcome it! But under these circumstances it was not ideal.)
I found what I was looking for and was told it is not one complex but a series of buildings needing a person to go in and out. Thankfully I asked the very kind security guard what to do at the King Center. He recommended that I go to the Visitor Center next (after seeing Dr. King's and his wive's burial site) to get on the wait list for the Historic Birthhome tour. Currently only allow 15 people per 30 minute tour in advance and then check around the exhibits.
So I looked around the few rooms there, saw Dr. King's grammy and his outfit used for travel (he traveled light), family photos, and one room was dedicated to Mahatma Ghandhi. Then after signing up at 12pm (told I had to come by 1pm to get my tickets for the tour). I walked around the exhibits. It was very moving with video footages of his speeches, funeral, etc along with his funeral wagon (on display for first time in 35 years) and other photos. I noticed one person crying hearing Dr. King's " I Have a Dream" speech. It was very moving and emotional. Do not miss the 25 minute video/film that gives some insights and commentary.
Learning about the Children's role in the Civil Rights Movement was touching and hearing and reading stories of the survivors and participants moved me. I believe history should never be forgotten and I felt I got alot out of it. I made sure to see the Ghandhi statue and the Civil Rights Walk of Fame.
When it was time, I went to the historic #6 Firehouse, around the corner from Dr. King's birth home. Dr. King's sister is still alive and she graciously allows visitors into the home. I loved how the park ranger was able to give some stories on Dr. King. He was a bright child and had a amazing memory and capacity for learning. But as any kid, he caused mischief and disliked playing piano. He was highly favored by his maternal grandmother and had a brother and sister. His parents were esteemed people in the African American Community in Atlanta.
One highlight after going to the Baptist Church, one of the rangers is an actual ranger. I caught him midstory talking to some kids. He shared that only 5 pastors preached there and that MLK is NOT the most famous pastor to put it on the map. He is living history and participated in the marches with MLK, remembers him attending church listening to MLK Sr. He remembers many white Americans dying to help the cause for equality amongst people helping register blacks vote. He recalls a pretty brown haired girl who drove to volunteer to have her head shot. Or a livelyyoung man who was killed for doing the same thing (this pastor had worked along side him all day registering voters.). It was a scary time and people were harmed and killed. All for the right to be treated equal.
A must visit in my book if you have the time. The MARTA gets you there but it is a bit of a walk, you can take the #100 bus and #3 ($1.75 one way) or get the new BREEZE card (www.itsmarta.com) . It makes traveling around Atlanta a snap.
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