The King Boston memorial, The Embrace, will be anchored on Boston Common, where, in 1965, Dr. King called Boston to live by its highest ideals. The Common, America’s first public park, has a vibrant 400-year-old history and a tradition of civic gatherings. The new memorial will spark a new public conversation about how to advance racial and economic justice in Boston today.
In his sermon, “The Drum Major Instinct”, delivered on February 4, 1968, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. expressed hope that his legacy would act as a call to action in pursuit for justice.
Respecting that legacy, King Boston, in partnership with the City of Boston, announced a competition for a permanent installation commemorating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King’s work in our city, our nation, and the world.
The memorial will be a core element of the multifaceted tribute to the Kings. It is also intended to reflect Coretta Scott King’s faith in the power of art, and her life-long struggle against militarism, poverty, discrimination, racism, and sexism.
A panel of experts – renowned educators, visual artists and curators rooted in the Black tradition – selected The Embrace, by Artist Team of Hank Willis and MASS Design in February, 2019.
The project is currently undergoing the City’s permitting process and the unveiling of the memorial is planned for Fall, 2022. Anchored by the physical memorial on the Boston Common, the memorial will be complemented by the Center for Economic Justice in Roxbury.
This memorial seeks to create a compelling call to action.
Coretta Scott King and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s relationship to the City of Boston was rooted in service, commitment, education, and activism, all reflective of the spirit of today’s Boston. Their legacy will inspire residents and visitors alike to engage in dialogue and action in the creation of a just society.