The Most Beautiful Civil Rights Monuments in America

Architecture + DesignThe Most Beautiful Civil Rights Monuments in AmericaIn honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, AD rounds up the most awe-inspiring tributes to the heroes of a harrowing period in our nation’s past

By Hannah Huber

January 15, 2022

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Photo: Getty Images

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On August 28, 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. changed the social landscape of the United States with his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech. In the wake of his achievements, we see modern champions of freedom taking their cues from Dr. King, organizing everything from peaceful marches for gender equality to forming organizations that fight daily for our freedoms. Today, on Dr. King’s namesake holiday, we remember the sacrifice and the struggle of the movement this man led and continue his legacy of peaceful change. Let these nine monuments serve as a reminder that any individual can effect change for the betterment of others.

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1 / 9ChevronChevronPhoto: Getty ImagesBirmingham Civil Rights National Monument—Birmingham, AlabamaCreated as a memorial to the protests carried out across Alabama as part of the initiative called “Project C,” this stunning monument serves as a reminder of the violent attacks on freedom. The sculpture depicts attack dogs emerging from stone and surrounding visitors as they walk through the monument, recreating the terror that protesters felt.