The Memorial itself was dedicated in 1989. It was inspired by the famous quote "we will not be satisfied until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream" which Martin Luther King said in his famous "I Have a Dream" speech. A round stone fountain in the shape of an upside down cone lets water flow over the base of the cone and over the forty names that the memorial holds. Visitors can touch the water and fountain (or at least they could when I visited). This will only disrupt the smooth flow of the water until the hand is removed. It is truly a beautiful memorial and good reminder of how important tolerance and equality really is. Also please note that this memorial is outside, so you need to make sure that you dress for the weather when going to see it, and make sure that any trash is picked up before you leave as a sign of respect.
After visiting the Civil Rights Memorial you can go see the Civil Rights Memorial Center, in fact the center is adjacent to the memorial. Inside the center is a theater in which vistors can learn about the history of the Civil Rights Movement. Also make sure that you stop to look at the Freedom Mural that is inside the center. Within the mural you will see photographs and quotes that had a lasting impact on the movement and many are images and quotes that we learn about to this day. It is a beautiful and powerful mural that you should not miss.
If you are interested in pledging yourself to take a stand aganist injustice, and intolerance then make
sure that you sign your name on the Wall of Tolerance. The Wall of Tolerance holds over half a million names that have pledge to take a stand. The wall is 20 by 40 feet and names flow down all the time. If you are interested in taking this stand then you can take the pledge that so many others have already done.
"By placing my name on the Wall of Tolerance, I pledge to take a stand against hate, injustice and intolerance. I will work in my daily life for justice, equality and human rights - the ideals for which the Civil Rights martyrs died."
The names that are placed on this wall are never erased letting a new generation of people join with an older generation to take a stand and remember what is truly important. The Civil Rights Memorial and Memorial Center is really an eye opening experience and something that should not be missed if you happen to be in the Montgomery area.
The Memorial is in an open area that is open to the public 24 hours a days.
The Civil Rights Memorial Center is open:
Monday -Friday 9AM-4:30PM
Saturday 10AM-4PM
Children are admitted free, Adult Admission is $2
The address is
400 Washington Avenue
Montgomery Alabama
