ATLANTApix: Dreams, Visions and Change

Martin Luther King, Jr.

On January 15, 1929, a child was born in an upstairs bedroom at 501 Auburn Avenue in Atlanta, Georgia. Martin Luther King, Jr., known in childhood as "M.L.," would grow up to be a charismatic leader, an agent for change, awarded the Spingarn Medal in 1957, awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964, and posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1977 (the highest U.S. honor bestowed upon a civilian).

The Marting Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site  (previous post) in the Sweet Auburn District is hosting a week-long celebration of the achievements and continual fulfillment of Dr. King's civil and human rights dreams. 

During the 2010 King Day events, a mural created by Louis Delsarte chronicling the heroic life of Dr. King was dedicated. The 129-foot mural, titled "Dreams, Visions and Change" (photo), is on the back wall of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Natatorium in the Peace Plaza adjacent to the the MLK National Historic Site Visitor Center.

The final speech this great leader would give was in Memphis, Tennessee, where he was assassinated on April 4, 1968. Today, his dreams live on in the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site and in the hearts of countless people across the globe.