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Civil Rights Memorial: A Testament to Hope

A moving tribute to Civil Rights martyrs in Montgomery, AL, inspiring reflection and a continued pursuit of justice and equality for all.

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The Civil Rights Memorial in Montgomery, AL, designed by Maya Lin, honors the martyrs of the Civil Rights Movement (1954-1968). A circular black granite table chronicles the movement's history, with water flowing across its surface, symbolizing justice. It stands as a poignant tribute and a call for continued progress.

A brief summary to Civil Rights Memorial

  • Monday 9 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-5 pm
  • Friday 9 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Visit the Civil Rights Memorial Center next to the memorial to deepen your understanding of the Civil Rights Movement.
  • Take time to reflect on the names and events inscribed on the memorial; consider the sacrifices made by those who fought for equality.
  • Visit at night to experience the memorial illuminated, offering a different perspective and atmosphere.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Rosa Parks Museum on Montgomery Street, walk south toward Washington Avenue. The Civil Rights Memorial is located at 400 Washington Avenue, a short walk of approximately 5 minutes. Look for the circular memorial with flowing water in front of the Southern Poverty Law Center.

  • Public Transport

    Montgomery's public transportation options include the Montgomery Area Transit System (MATS). Check the MATS website or app for the most up-to-date bus routes and schedules to reach downtown Montgomery near the Civil Rights Memorial. A single ride fare is typically around $1.25.

  • Driving

    If driving, navigate to 400 Washington Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36104. Limited metered street parking is available weekdays from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Metered street parking is free after 5:00 PM and on weekends. Paid parking lots are also located within a few blocks, with hourly rates typically ranging from $2 to $5. Bus parking is located on the corner of Washington and Decatur streets as well as Dexter and Decatur close to the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church.

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Discover more about Civil Rights Memorial

Located in downtown Montgomery, Alabama, the Civil Rights Memorial is a powerful and moving tribute to those who lost their lives during the Civil Rights Movement between 1954 and 1968. Designed by Maya Lin, the same artist who created the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the memorial serves as a place for reflection and remembrance. The memorial's centerpiece is a large, circular black granite table. Water emerges from the center and flows evenly across the top, where the names of forty individuals who died during the struggle for civil rights are engraved, along with key events of the era. The design is inspired by 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,” which is inscribed on a curved black granite wall behind the table. The memorial is adjacent to the Civil Rights Memorial Center, which provides historical context and educational resources related to the Civil Rights Movement. Visitors are encouraged to touch the engraved names and reflect on the sacrifices made during this pivotal period in American history. The memorial is accessible 24 hours a day, offering a space for quiet contemplation at any time.

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