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Civil Rights Memorial: A Testament to Hope and Justice

Reflect on the sacrifices of Civil Rights martyrs at this moving memorial in Montgomery, Alabama, and reaffirm your commitment to justice and equality.

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The Civil Rights Memorial in Montgomery, Alabama, designed by Maya Lin, honors the lives of those who died in the struggle for civil rights between 1954 and 1968. Its centerpiece is a circular black granite table with water flowing over the names of the martyrs, creating a space for reflection and a renewed commitment to justice.

A brief summary to Civil Rights Memorial

Local tips

  • Visit the Civil Rights Memorial Center next to the memorial to learn more about the Civil Rights Movement.
  • Allow time for quiet reflection at the memorial to fully appreciate its impact.
  • Visit the nearby Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church, where Martin Luther King Jr. served as pastor.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Civil Rights Memorial is located in downtown Montgomery and is easily accessible on foot from many nearby attractions and hotels. From the Rosa Parks Museum, walk approximately three blocks north on Montgomery Street, then turn right onto Washington Avenue. The memorial will be on your left, across the street from the Southern Poverty Law Center. From the Alabama State Capitol, walk two blocks west on Washington Avenue. The memorial will be on your right. Allow 5-10 minutes walking time from either location.

  • Public Transport

    The Montgomery Area Transit System (MATS) provides bus service throughout the city. Check the MATS website or app for routes and schedules to reach downtown Montgomery. From the nearest bus stop on a route serving downtown, follow street signs to 400 Washington Avenue. A single ride fare is typically $1.25.

  • Driving

    If driving, navigate to 400 Washington Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36104. Metered street parking is available on Washington Avenue and surrounding streets on weekdays from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Parking is free on weekends, holidays, and evenings. Be aware that parking can be limited during peak tourist season. Paid parking lots are also located within a few blocks, with hourly rates typically ranging from $2 to $5.

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Discover more about Civil Rights Memorial

Located in downtown Montgomery, Alabama, the Civil Rights Memorial is a powerful and moving monument dedicated to the memory of those who lost their lives during the Civil Rights Movement. Designed by Maya Lin, who also created the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the memorial serves as a place for quiet contemplation, remembrance, and a call to action for continued progress toward equality. The memorial's central feature is a large, circular black granite table. Etched into the table's surface are the names of forty individuals who were killed between 1954 and 1968 because of their activism for civil rights or simply because of their race. These names are inscribed alongside significant dates and events that marked the most turbulent years of the Civil Rights Movement. Water constantly flows across the surface, washing over the names and dates, creating a soothing atmosphere that encourages reflection. The sound of the water and its reflective surface symbolize cleansing, healing, and the possibility of overcoming past divisions. Behind the table, a curved black granite wall is engraved with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s paraphrase of Amos 5:24: "We will not be satisfied until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream". The memorial is located across the street from the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), an organization dedicated to fighting hate and bigotry and to seeking justice for the most vulnerable members of society. The adjacent Civil Rights Memorial Center provides additional context and information about the Civil Rights Movement, with exhibits, educational materials, and a theater.

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