Discover Georgia: Martin Luther King Jr. Center

Hiya!

How are ya? I'm sorry I didn't post on Monday or Tuesday... I was ultra busy on Sunday (shhh, don't tell anyone, but I was filming a short scene for a movie that may be on Nigerian television!!!). Anyways, since I was busy all through Sunday, I didn't get a chance to do the editing I wanted. I'm done now, so check out my visit to the Martin Luther King Jr. Center in Atlanta. Check out my Discover Georgia series here. I have 2 or 3 more posts coming up in the next few weeks. Hmm, slowly but surely, my blog is taking on more of a Travel aspect, no?

Over the weekend I shared a heartfelt piece about the recent spate of bad news. Earlier in the week, my family and I had decided to visit the MLK Jr. Center, and honestly, it couldn't have come at a better time, especially with all the race wahala that's boiling over on US news.

Did you know Dr Martin Luther King was born in Atlanta? Befittingly, there is the MLK Jr. National Historic Site and Preservation District that is dedicated to him and his works. It includes his boyhood home where he was born, and the original Ebenezer Baptist Church where he was a pastor.

Next door to the church is the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change. This was the main focus of our short visit. It was started by his wife, Coretta, in the basement of their home the year after Dr King was assassinated. In 1981 the center was moved to where it is now.

When you walk in, one of the first things you notice are these panels of photos and wise words from MLK Jr.

Also in the foyer are some photos of his wife, the beautiful Coretta Scott King, and some of her wise words as well. They were like the ultimate Power Couple.

 I found out that these wood panelings were taken from wood in Nigeria!!!! Woot woot!!!!!!!!!

Inside the center on the second floor are different rooms dedicated to the memories of MLK and Coretta, Gandhi (who was his inspiration), and Rosa Parks.

 I also found this lovely quilt with different quotes by Martin Luther King Jr.

In the room dedicated to Dr. King and his wife, one of the things that struck me, was their attention to how they presented themselves. I don't know if it was as a result of the times they were in, but it seemed that they took care to always look presentable. Their clothes and accessories really jumped out at me. I'm sure fashion wasn't at the forefront of their minds, but knowing that they always looked sharp makes me want to do better. Know what I mean?

Above are his cufflinks and tie clips.

Ladies and gentlemen, bear in mind that Dr King traveled a lot! For weeks and weeks at a time. Yet, check out his suitcase. Lesson to learn here - pack light!

His cologne of choice was Aramis. I wonder what it smells like. I'll check the next time I go to the mall.

Fashi, his cufflinks are NICE!!! I feel like buying some snazzy ones for Cakes now.

Did you know MLK won a Grammy posthumously? I didn't. I know he won the Nobel Peace Prize, but a Grammy too? That was news to me.

I wish I had more time to spend here, because I'd have liked to learn more about Mrs. Coretta S. King.

I like this rendering of MLK and Gandhi. In light of everything that's been happening, these two are great examples of using peaceful and nonviolent means to make their points heard.

Outside, the Reflecting Pool stands with Dr. King's famous "I Have A Dream" speech on replay.

In the middle of the pool, MLK and Coretta's remains are entombed. 

 Across from that, lies an eternal flame in his honor.

 On the other side of the street, I couldn't resist taking a photo of the sculpture called Behold.

The Martin Luther King Jr. Center is FREE to visit. If you're ever in Atlanta and you're interested in the history of the civil rights movement, then I would suggest taking a day to visit the center and other buildings that make up the MLK Historic Site.

Thanks for reading. I'll leave you with his "I Have A Dream" speech and pray that dream comes true ALL OVER the world.