MLK Memorial Plans Laid Out On the Table
The Youth and Arts Wellness Center hosted one of the many On The Table conversations that took place across the Chicagoland area on May 12. The discussions kicked off the Chicago Community Trust’s centennial, which is a yearlong campaign celebrating everyday philanthropists — people like IMAN’s supporters, who volunteer and contribute financially in order to make a collective impact on the lives of thousands of people each year. IMAN’s conversation was contextualized by our Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial currently under development, which commemorates Dr. King and the local grassroots activists who marched for economic justice in Marquette Park on August 5, 1966.
After light dinner and a presentation by Executive Director Dr. Rami Nashashibi, our partners from the Chicago Public Art Group unveiled draft sketches and images of the memorial. On the Table guests participated in insightful roundtable discussions around each proposed design, providing invaluable input on what emotions, memories, and inspiration should be expressed by the memorial. Staying true to IMAN’s intention of making the MLK Memorial construction entirely community-based, this feedback occurred in the very space where the memorial will be constructed.
Thank you to all our guests and fellow community leaders for attending. God willing, more events and opportunities related to the MLK Memorial project are soon to come. We appreciate and look forward to your continued engagement and support as we strive to create Dr. King’s Beloved Community.