A new statue honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is set to be built in Cincinnati, further cementing his enduring impact on the city and its residents. This monument will serve as a powerful symbol of justice, equality, and the ongoing pursuit of nonviolent change.

The statue will be placed at the site of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, originally dedicated in 1987. This cherished landmark was relocated in 2017 due to infrastructure improvements, and the upcoming installation reaffirms the city’s commitment to preserving Dr. King’s legacy.

“This new statue is more than a tribute, it’s a call to action,” said City Manager Sheryl Long. “Dr. King’s message of unity and nonviolent activism continues to inspire us today, and this memorial will be a place for reflection and renewal for generations to come.”

Community Involvement: A Call for Historic Images

The Dr. MLK Jr. Memorial Project, in partnership with the Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library, invites community members to participate in a City-Wide Photo Scanning Day on Saturday, April 26th. The event will take place from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio’s Holloman Center for Social Justice, located at 3539 Reading Rd, Suite 100, Cincinnati, OH 45229.

This initiative seeks to preserve and celebrate the rich history of Cincinnati’s communities by digitizing photographs, documents, and personal stories that reflect the city’s connection to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the civil rights movement, and our community’s legacy of social justice advocacy. These pieces of history will be incorporated into the memorial installation. Participants are encouraged to bring up to five items to be scanned on-site and returned immediately. Each participant will receive a free flash drive containing digital copies of their materials.

Photo scanning will be available throughout the event, allowing guests to drop in at their convenience. Light refreshments will be provided.

Those unable to attend the in-person event may submit photos online here.

A Lasting Impact on Cincinnati

The new statue is expected to become a cultural and educational landmark, drawing visitors from across the city and beyond. It will serve as a space for community gatherings, discussions, and celebrations of civil rights achievements, reinforcing Cincinnati’s commitment to social justice.

More details on the project timeline, dedication ceremony, and opportunities for community involvement will be announced in the coming months.