Welcome to the solemn and significant site of Dr. and Mrs. King’s Tomb, located in Georgia. This site holds profound historical importance, as it is the final resting place of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his wife, Coretta Scott King, two pivotal figures in the American Civil Rights Movement.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a Baptist minister and social activist who played a key role in the American Civil Rights Movement from the mid-1950s until his assassination in 1968. He is best known for his nonviolent protests and his leadership in the Montgomery Bus Boycott of 1955, which was sparked by Rosa Parks’ refusal to give up her seat to a white person. This event is often cited as the beginning of the modern Civil Rights Movement.
Dr. King’s leadership and his philosophy of nonviolent resistance were instrumental in the success of the movement, leading to significant legislative changes such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. His efforts earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964, making him the youngest recipient at that time.
Coretta Scott King, a distinguished civil rights leader in her own right, worked alongside her husband and continued his legacy after his death. She was a driving force behind the establishment of Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a national holiday and was instrumental in the founding of the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change.
This site not only commemorates the lives of Dr. and Mrs. King but also serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality and justice. Visitors to the tomb can reflect on the impact of these leaders and the movement they inspired, which continues to resonate today.
As you stand here, consider the incredible journey of Dr. and Mrs. King, from their early days of activism to their enduring legacy that continues to inspire future generations.
