Opened in 2011, this is the Mall’s first memorial dedicated to a nonpresident, as well as to an African American. Sculptor Lei Yixin carved the piece. Besides Dr King’s image, known as the Stone of Hope, there are two blocks behind him that represent the Mountain of Despair. A wall inscribed with King’s stirring quotes flanks the statues. It sits in a lovely spot on the banks of the Tidal Basin.
