CINCINNATI, OH — April 16, 2025
A new statue honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is set to be installed in Cincinnati, marking a powerful recommitment to his legacy of justice, equality, and nonviolent change.
The statue will stand at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial site, first dedicated in 1987. After being relocated in 2017 due to infrastructure upgrades, the new monument will restore and enhance the city’s tribute to Dr. King’s enduring influence.
“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 Photo Scanning Day: Preserving Local History
As part of the memorial project, the Dr. MLK Jr. Memorial Project is collaborating with the Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library to host a City-Wide Photo Scanning Day. Community members are invited to bring historic photos, documents, and personal stories for digitization on Saturday, April 26, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio’s Holloman Center for Social Justice (3539 Reading Rd, Suite 100).
These materials will help preserve the city’s connection to Dr. King, the civil rights movement, and Cincinnati’s broader history of social justice. Attendees can bring up to five items to be scanned onsite, receiving a free flash drive with digital copies. Light refreshments will be available.
For those unable to attend in person, photo submissions can also be made online.
A New Chapter in Cincinnati’s Civil Rights Legacy
The statue is expected to become a cultural and educational landmark, attracting visitors and serving as a gathering place for reflection, dialogue, and celebration of civil rights progress. Further details, including a timeline for construction and a dedication ceremony, will be announced soon.
Cincinnati officials are encouraging widespread community participation in this effort to honor Dr. King’s legacy and elevate the city’s history of advocacy and activism.
