Opened in 2011, this was the first Mall memorial to honor an African American. Sculptor Lei Yixin carved the piece, which is reminiscent in concept and style to the Mt Rushmore memorial. Besides Dr King鈥檚 striking, 30ft-tall image, known as the Stone of Hope, there are two blocks of granite behind him that represent the Mountain of Despair. A wall inscribed with King鈥檚 powerful quotes about democracy, justice and peace flanks the piece.
King鈥檚 statue, incidentally, is 11ft taller than those of Lincoln and Jefferson in their nearby memorials.