Great Leaders & Monuments—MLK Jr. Monument: Finding Hope In DC

Visiting the Stone of Hope MLK Jr. Memorial in Washington, DC

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that.”
― Martin Luther King Jr., A Testament of Hope: The Essential Writings and Speeches

Last September, I excitedly visited our nation’s capital, the beautiful and historic Washington, DC. You can read my first post on DC, “Freedom is not Free”, as I visited the Korean War Memorial. Seeing the faces on the sculptures and that dark marble wall affects you whether you had any ties to the war or not. Society’s response and more importantly, memory, to historic times and figures lives in the memorials standing today. As we live in challenging times and diverging cultural values continue to pull us apart, I wonder— what monuments will stand tomorrow?

I’m starting a Great Leaders & Monuments series to reflect on the people who brought strength, direction, courage, and determination to fight for good in times of great need. The leaders will likely be people you well know throughout history. The monuments will remind us of the people whose names we may not know but whose actions are forever valued—quiet heroes who contributed to history through conviction, sacrifice, and courage to stand when it mattered most.

American heroes, whether in uniform or everyday civilians emerging from moral confrontations, these turning points shape our culture and people. Our legacy continues to develop with each generation, and for such a young country, like any adolescent, we may not have seen our true selves yet. What we choose to defend isn’t just policy—it’s identity. They express not only what we believe, but who we’re becoming.

For instance, the quote introducing the post, will be interpreted by readers differently based on their values. Some might believe I’m referring to events this past year and others might think it has to do with actions of this past week. Both thinking the darkness I’m referring to is each other. Two conflicting sides agreeing with the same powerful statement and seeing each other as the obstacle needing to be overcome. This is why this series matters: to reflect on the legacies we honor, the values we uphold, and monuments the people choose to build.

On my first day in Washington, DC, I visited the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Monument. I was pleasantly surprised, and proud, at the sheer size of the monument. In his time, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a divisive figure for his views on the Vietnam War, poverty, and (in some parts of the country) civil rights for black Americans. Racial equality and integration were values he pushed for that benefited all Americans. Even if some could not see it at the time.

His memorial stands tall in the National Mall, within walking distance of the Lincoln Memorial. Towering at 30 feet in pure granite, the sculpture has a massive presence and is inscribed with the message: “Out of Mountains of Despair, a Stone of Hope.” Dr. King’s own words not only on the Stone of Hope but the surrounding curved walls carries 14 quotes in total. No matter which direction you choose, those words are still there to guide.

The two giant “mountains of despair,” although large, shrink in the presence of good and opportunity. This almost-minimalist monument, despite its size, is quite simple. The design choosing the words of Dr. King, the true value of his contributions, over any excessive embellishment or grandstanding. His legacy stands on his words alone.

His words and leadership in the Civil Rights Movement was ignited during the Montgomery Bus Boycott, Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a bus to a white passenger as segregation laws said. After leading a single day bus boycott by black Americans, the largest group of riders, Dr. King advised to continue. On the first day, he delivered a passionate speech that implored black Americans to boycott the buses and to protest in a non-violent way by finding strength through Christian faith. The boycott lasted over 380 days.

His leadership passionately advocating for the commitment to the boycott and unity peacefully led to the integration on buses as the Supreme Court ruled segregation was unconstitutional. This was significant to the beginnings of the Civil Rights Movement.

“A people who had the moral courage to stand up for their rights. And thereby they injected a new meaning into the veins of history and of civilization.”

Dr. King’s monument, composed of granite, has very fine features and nearly looks as delicate as sand. Perhaps it’s just me, but I wonder if that was meant to contrast the delicacy of Dr. King’s life and the endurance of his legacy.

Leaving that day and following the pathway along the Tidal-Basin, I peaked back at the monument. A glimpse in between the branches offered a final look. The Stone of Hope rises from the Despairing Mountains altogether, the complete picture emerging, as if in hindsight.

And as I learned on quick business trip in Indianapolis, sightseeing during the day only tells you half the story. You can get a closer look at details you barely noticed in the day when you sightsee at night.

Approaching the mountains in despair, the edges of the pathway are lit brightly. These thin slices of light in pure night act as a beacon to the Stone of Hope.

At night as you walk through the mountains, it feels a little tight, but then world opens up the closer to hope you get. As stunning as the monument was during the day, it can’t compare to the night sights. Even looking at the mountain exterior, the light and shadows play with your eyes and create (or shows what the daytime couldn’t) an ombre effect on the granite. Degrees of different colors, showing depth in what day perceived to be as only one solid color. Perhaps there’s more than meets the eye.

Loved seeing the color from the exterior light showing the light or hope beaming from within the despair. If we just open up, we could see it. But yes, I agree…this is getting too saccharine.

Dr. King’s presence is better with the contrast that night brings. And rings his quote truer, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness. Only light can do that.” I believe the design, almost minimalist during the day, carries a stronger meaning at night. Despite being surrounded by more people, this visit felt more intimate. More personal. Like I’m finally understanding what this monument was meant to be all along.

Dr. King kept chipping away at segregation peacefully during the Birmingham Campaign, there were multiple sit-ins, boycotts, and even marches at the courthouse over the course of six weeks. As young people joined in to fight for their rights, officers used fire hoses and even attack dogs during the non-violent protests. The images of violence shed light on what the protestors were going through and why. Despite helping in the long run, it also set the stage for more violence in the short term.

During one of these protests, Dr. King was arrested amongst several protestors. While in jail, he responded to a man asking why he was “unwise and untimely” from a few clergymen. While other leaders might’ve easily dismissed it, he went on to explain and reason with these men in a letter from jail. Because of felt this was a genuine question from good, honest people who simply didn’t understand the importance. Especially from an “outsider” as they described the Atlanta native since he was in Alabama.

“Injustice anywhere is injustice everywhere.” Stands out to me in the letter, and MLK Jr. goes on to explain the process of the Birmingham campaign and as to why he specifically chose the city in the first place. Explaining the need for dialogue and not a monologue, which has been a prominent issue in the South.

The letter goes in-depth trying to get these men to see eye-to-eye with him. Highly recommended to read, and if you’re anything like me, you’re looking into these things long after you visit the monument. Is it that I randomly wake up months later with this secret need to learn my history…? Looking back at the pictures triggers questions and you realize you need a bit of research.

On a side note, the National Museum of African American History and Culture offers an intimate look at the sit-ins with an interactive display. You take a seat and answer a questionnaire to see if you had what it took to participate.

Overhead you see images of the mistreatment of black and white Americans protesting segregation. It’s shocking to witness that part of history. Although ugly, I’m glad it’s out in the open for people to see than to hide away in a vault. Pretending it wasn’t as bad as it sounds.

Moving closer to the water, you’re able to reflect and take a breather. It’s peaceful to see the anonymity of the visitor’s silhouettes. Everyone taking a walk along the curves of the wall. At the water I can see monument for other great leaders, Washington and Hamilton, forever watching in the distance.

Closing in on walls, I take another lap alongside the wall. I photographed my favorites during the day. At nightfall, it was difficult to stick to that again. Everything then seemed more important. Of course, as I often mention the challenges of people around when trying to photograph. However, in times it’s best to embrace the anonymity of the crowds and photograph the people at the memorials themselves. Nothing invasive, simply an observer at a monument at night.

The grace of the lighting shows how personal and touching these words still mean to people today. Of course, as I mention the need for all the angles like I did for the Canal Street Bridge in Chinatown Chicago, you get a whole new playing field when going up close. I loved seeing the silhouettes of people against the backdrop of Dr. King’s words. But close-up, the white lighting overpowers the green but the branches of a tree brings color back into play. I also liked that nature was incorporated, reinforcing the life behind these monuments.

Choosing peace in the face of anger. Using your status for a call of unity. Insisting on a dialogue instead of any one group or person monopolizing the national conversation, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. understood the necessity of proper leadership. A need to explain what you’re trying to do, the process, and why. This shows how your leadership can draw from your convictions. And putting himself in the action directly, taking responsibility for his own actions and words.

As this series continues, I’ll explore more leaders and monuments that challenge us to reflect, remember, and rise. Because what we choose to honor today shapes who we become tomorrow.

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