Background

National Memorial for Peace and Justice

A solemn and essential monument in Montgomery, AL, honoring victims of racial terror lynchings and promoting justice and reconciliation.

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The National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery, Alabama, is the nation's first memorial dedicated to the legacy of enslaved Black people and those terrorized by lynching. It serves as a somber and essential monument to the victims of racial terror lynchings in the United States.

A brief summary to The National Memorial for Peace and Justice

  • Wednesday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Friday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-4:30 pm

Local tips

  • Allow ample time for your visit; plan for at least 1-2 hours to fully experience the memorial.
  • Consider visiting the Legacy Museum before the memorial to gain a deeper understanding of the historical context.
  • Take advantage of the free shuttle service from the Legacy Museum to avoid parking fees near the memorial.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the memorial is a mostly outdoor space with a good amount of walking.
  • Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly, as the memorial is primarily an outdoor experience.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    If you are already in downtown Montgomery, walking to the National Memorial for Peace and Justice is feasible. From the Legacy Museum (400 N. Court Street), the memorial is approximately a 16-minute walk. Head south on N Court Street, then turn right onto Caroline Street. The memorial will be on your left. Be aware that the walk involves a slight uphill climb. There is no cost associated with walking.

  • Shuttle

    The most convenient way to reach the National Memorial for Peace and Justice from downtown Montgomery is by utilizing the free shuttle service provided by the Equal Justice Initiative. The shuttle runs regularly from the Legacy Museum (400 N. Court Street) to the memorial. The shuttle runs every 15 minutes. This service is included with your admission ticket to the Legacy Sites, which costs $5.

  • Driving

    If driving, navigate to 417 Caroline Street, Montgomery, AL 36104. Limited parking is available near the memorial. Parking fees in the vicinity typically range from $5 to $10 per hour. Free parking is available at the Legacy Museum, with a free shuttle to the Memorial.

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Discover more about The National Memorial for Peace and Justice

The National Memorial for Peace and Justice, opened in April 2018, stands as a powerful and solemn tribute to the victims of racial terror lynchings in the United States. Located in Montgomery, Alabama, the six-acre site, conceived by the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI), offers a deeply moving and educational experience, prompting reflection on America's history of racial injustice and its enduring consequences. The memorial's design is both powerful and symbolic. Over 800 corten steel monuments, each six feet tall, stand as silent witnesses to the thousands of lives lost to racial violence. Each monument represents a county in the United States where racial terror lynchings occurred between 1877 and 1950. The names of the victims are inscribed on these steel boxes, creating a chilling roll call of the dead. As visitors walk through the memorial, they encounter these monuments suspended from the ceiling, evoking the act of lynching and creating a visceral sense of the terror inflicted upon Black communities. As visitors enter the memorial, they encounter a quotation from Martin Luther King Jr.: “True peace is not merely the absence of tension; it is the presence of justice.” This sets the tone for the experience, emphasizing the memorial's mission to promote justice and reconciliation. The path through the memorial is a carefully designed journey, leading visitors through gardens, sculptures, and informative displays that provide historical context and encourage contemplation. Before entering the main memorial structure, visitors encounter the Peace and Justice Memorial Garden, a contemplative space with native plantings and the “Memory Wall: Strength,” a brick arched wall from the Montgomery Theater, built in 1860 by enslaved masons. This garden serves as a place to acknowledge the contributions of African American laborers.

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