UA trip participants gather at the Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial in Washington, D.C.
Although the Washington, D.C., Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial's official grand opening is not until Oct. 16, 36 University of Akron students had the opportunity to travel to the nation's capital for a guided tour on Oct. 1.
Lee A. Gill, UA's associate vice president for inclusion and equity and chief diversity officer and a member of the MLK Memorial design review and construction team, coordinated the trip. The students traveled by bus, leaving Akron at 11 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 30, and arriving in Washington, D.C., the next morning for a whirlwind day of education and reflection.
Their first stop was the four-acre memorial, which conveys four themes from King's life – democracy, justice, hope and love. A wall inscribed with excerpts of his sermons, writings and speeches leads to the centerpiece of the memorial, the "Stone of Hope," which features a 30-foot likeness of King. This concept is based on King’s "I Have a Dream" speech, in which he said, "Out of a mountain of despair, a stone of hope." Memorial visitors pass through the "Mountain of Despair" before arriving at the "Stone of Hope."
Gill has been involved with the project since 2007 and was eager to take the UA group to see the memorial.
"The monument stands as a reminder to stay strong and focused," he says. "Though we have come closer to assuring that all of us should be judged by our character, we know there is still much work ahead."
Some of the students shared their thoughts on the trip in journals. Excerpts are below.
Ian Banks, freshman mechanical engineering major (Hometown: Akron)
Ian Banks
Visiting the memorial encouraged me to think more and appreciate the sacrifices that were made for me to become the person I am today. The rock from which Dr. King's likeness was sculpted represented to me that we as a country have come a long way, over the mountains, but we still have a long way to go. In general, we must appreciate what we have, and respect those who have fought for every person to be equal.
Shelby Bridges, freshman political science major (Hometown: Garfield Heights)
Shelby Bridges
My trip to Washington, D.C., was wonderful. I am glad that I got to meet other University of Akron students who share the same interests. My favorite part of the trip was going to the Smithsonian and learning about so much history. The best part about the museum was learning about slaves and what they had to go through.
I believe it is important for us, as African-Americans, to know about our history and how hard our ancestors had to fight for us so we could be able to live the life that we live today. The diagrams that they had in the museum were so life-like and descriptive. They put a different perspective on the situation and I got to see the slaves' points of view. If I could take this trip again, the only thing I would change about it would be the weather, but besides that, everything else was amazing. I am very grateful.
KiAsia Chambers, junior chemical engineering major (Hometown: Cincinnati)
KiAsia Chambers
The monument was not quite what I had expected, but it was breathtaking, nonetheless. Though the day was cold and wet, it was a very memorable experience. I am so very grateful.
Michael Graves, senior pre-med major (Hometown: Akron)
Michael Graves
The trip to the Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial sparked new aspirations in me. The monument is a testament to how far we have come and the respect that the United States holds for Dr. King. He was a great man and even though he was not a general or a president, he is honored as if he were. Every person of every culture and ethnicity can appreciate and reflect on the terrible times of injustice in our country.
The architecture was very symbolic. A sweet feeling of satisfaction came over me when I saw Dr. King's likeness carved in the stone. Then, I came back to reality. Everyone started talking, taking pictures and though it was dark and rainy, it was peaceful.
The tour guide told us that they did not want to focus simply on Dr. King's March on Washington and his "I Have a Dream" speech in front of the Lincoln Memorial. The focus was on his legacy. LEGACY! I am his legacy. All of the people on this trip are his legacy. The fact that I can pursue my dreams, my rights, my culture … all are his legacy.
As I thought about this, I realized that I am Malcolm X's legacy, Thurgood Marshall's legacy, Donald Graves' legacy, Fredrick Douglas' legacy, Harriet Tubman's legacy, James Baldwin's legacy, John Dadishi Fuller's legacy, Huey Newton's legacy, Ben Carson's legacy, and many more.
James T. Jones
Among the quotes, my favorite was, "True peace is not merely the absence of tension, it is the presence of justice. So, we must be vigilant and always just, for there will be much conflict for all of us, but we must be just.”
James T. Jones, freshman civil engineering major (Hometown: Lorain)
If I could describe the Washington, D.C., trip in one word, it would be, "unforgettable." It was one of the best experiences that I've ever had. It was truly worth walking miles in the cold and rain to see all of the historic sights. Washington, D.C., is nothing like you see on your television. It's an experience meant to be discovered firsthand.
Karastin Katusin
The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial is very powerful and it tells a story. His statue represents the struggle we have been through and the work we still have to do in our nation. I felt like there's a story that goes with being at the memorial that I can share with family and friends, being one of the first to see the monument.
Karastin Katusin, sophomore geology major (Hometown: Strausburg)
When we arrived at the memorial, I was pretty amazed, and I believe everyone else was, too. The sculpture was very elegant and just a sight to see. We had a guide tell us background information and then we were free to roam on our own. Overall, I had an amazing time, even though it lasted a short 24 hours. I am so grateful to be able to have that opportunity and would do it again in a heartbeat. I learned a lot more about Martin Luther King Jr. and other historical figures from our past. All their legacies will live on forever.
Ryan Lamb, junior mechanical engineering major (Hometown: Aurora)
Ryan Lamb
It was marvelous to walk through the "Mountain of Despair, two large pieces of carved granite that gave way to the third piece in the center, "Stone of Hope." Carved out of the stone, was none other than Dr. King himself, standing tall and firm as he stared out into the open water, as if he were diligently looking toward the future with a stern look on his face, knowing that there is still more progress to be made.
Tyrone Matherson
The quotes carved all around Dr. King and the memorial exemplify that, even though the struggle for equality is not over, the future is shining with hope and that justice will triumph in the end.
Tyrone Matherson, senior electrical engineering major (Hometown: Cuyahoga Falls)
The trip to D.C. was very enlightening, from learning new history to being in the presence of historic sites. In addition to the MLK Memorial, I was looking forward to seeing the Lincoln Memorial, and I am glad I saw it. I saw where Dr. King stood and spoke to the masses during his famous, "I Have a Dream," speech. It was impressive to look out and recall the pictures in history books of the masses listening to Dr. King speak. The trip was enlightening for me, and I greatly appreciate the opportunity that was given to me.
Shelby Saylor
Shelby Saylor, freshman physical therapy major (Hometown: Coshocton)
Having the opportunity to see the new Martin Luther King Jr. National Monument was extremely empowering. Some people may never get the chance to see it, and knowing that I did is amazing.
Everything about the monument was spectacular. Every little piece of the monument was given extreme consideration before it was finalized and all of the pieces of the puzzle fit together perfectly.
A quote from the MLK monument that I enjoyed was, "Darkness cannot drive out darkness. Only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that." To me, this is very inspirational and holds a great amount of truth.
For more information about the Washington, D.C., Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial, visit http://www.mlkmemorial.org/.