One of the things that struck me the most as I peered out into the open expanse from the “backyard” — or the South Lawn — of the White House, is that it offers a direct view of the National Mall.
The National Mall, which is highlighted by the Washington Monument that pokes its head towards the heavens, is within walking distance of the White House and the first African American first family. And by 2011, that National Mall will include the newly minted Martin Luther King Memorial, which will be the first monument dedicated to an African American erected there.
You can’t help but sense the powerful historical connection between the immortal King, who will stand high on the Mall, being within walking distance from the White House and President Barack Obama, the greatest political beneficiary and ambassador of King’s Dream.
There are other major attractions in Washington that will leave you spellbound from their wondrous amalgamation of historical artifacts:
Smithsonian Institute:
Visit the second floor of the National Museum of American History to get a glimpse of the upcoming National Museum of African American History and Culture. Construction of the NMAAHC is scheduled to begin on the Mall in 2012 and completed in 2015. Capital Gallery 600 Maryland Avenue SW,
Suite 7001
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial:
You can view the plaque that marks the ground where the first monument will be erected that will not be dedicated to a president or a decorated war veteran, but to a man who fought a fierce battle against hatred and violence. Greek fraternity Alpha Phi Alpha raised $107 million of the $120 million needed to complete the project, sufficient subsidies for the National Park Service to allow Alpha’s to begin overseeing the construction of the project.
Construction is scheduled to commence in late November. Organizers hope to complete construction in 18 to 20 months with an opening in 2011. Members of the Congressional Black Caucus along with King’s surviving sister, professor Christine King Farris, met at the site to formerly announce the project. The CBC long advocated for the memorial and it will be located along the Tidal Basin between the Lincoln and Jefferson memorials.
National Museum of African Art Smithsonian Institution:
The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art facilitates the awesome discovery and appreciation of the visual arts of Africa, indisputably the mother of civilization and the birthplace of humanity. The National Museum of African Art is located on the National Mall between the Smithsonian’s Arts & Industries Building and the Sackler Gallery of Art, 950 Independence Avenue, SW. –terry shropshire
