Fort Wayne, Ind. – More than 2,000 people joined Mayor Tom Henry and Dr. Derek King, Sr. in celebrating the completion of a memorial bridge named in honor of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday, June 4th.
"We know that this majestic bridge is so much more than a span across a river," Mayor Henry said. "It is a symbol that draws our community together – re-energizing our spirit. It is a statement of unity – reaffirming our commitment to making Fort Wayne a more vibrant and welcoming community," said Mayor Henry.
To view and share your photos visit: www.cityoffortwayne.org/MLKBridge.
Derek King Sr. -- a professor of religious studies at Martin University and the son of Dr. King's only brother – praised Fort Wayne for finding an extraordinary and lasting way to pay tribute to the American scholar, minister and civil and human rights leader.
"So what you did, Fort Wayne, you have joined those people in America, who have conscious appreciation and respect for Martin Luther King Jr., by doing something that would last – that will outlive each one of us out here...," Derek King said. "A park – no; a street – no; a portrait – no. What you have done is dedicated a bridge to a bridge-builder... And, I'm of the opinion that every moving vehicle – buses, trucks, ATVs, bicycles, scooters... skateboards – every moving vehicle that comes across that bridge is going to have to be impacted by the presence of Martin Luther King Jr."
King called the bridge "a grand statement into your downtown and a fine tribute to my uncle's legacy."
Other celebration highlights included songs by the "Voices of Unity" choir, a unity walk across the bridge and a lighting ceremony. Attendees were also invited to view a display case from Fort Wayne's Karpeles Manuscript Museum, featuring the last page of the "We Shall Overcome" speech, with handwritten notes from Dr. King.