Our first stop was the Martin Luther King Jr National Historic Park. A beautiful complex sitting in the very neighbourhood where he grew up.
Dr. King's childhood home was beautifully restored...
In this same historic district, just up the street from Dr. King's home, we found some absolutely gorgeous homes. These homes all date back to the 1800s and were mostly bought up by the National Parks Service to preserve them!
Leaving his childhood neighbourhood behind us, and walking down Auburn Avenue, we came across the original church where both he and his father were pastors - the Ebenezer Baptist Church, a beautiful church founded in 1886 where MLK Sr served as pastor from 1930 to 1975.
In 1948, MLK Jr was ordained here, at the age of 19. Several years later, he returned to this church to become a co-pastor with his father. He remained in this position until his death in 1968. As a final farewell, Dr King Jr's funeral was held here.
A new sanctuary was constructed in 1999 just across the street.
This amazing 'Behold' sculpture stands on the grounds of the new church to commemorate the guiding principles of MLK Jr's life and works. Dr King's widow Coretta unveiled the statue as a tribute to her husband and as an inspiration to all that dignity, social justice and human rights. The sculptor was inspired by the ancient African ritual of raising your newborn child to the heavens and repeating the words 'Behold the only thing greater then yourself'.
Just outside the visitor center of the Martin Luther King Jr Historic Site is a beautiful sculpture of Gandhi symbolizing non-violence and a world living in peace and harmony.
The grounds were so beautiful and appropriately peaceful. The park is also the final resting place of MLK Jr and Mrs. King.
We spent part of the afternoon at Centennial Olympic Park. This is a beautiful 21 acre park located in downtown Atlanta. It was built as part of the infrastructure for the 1996 Olympic Games on property that was previously vacant lots and run down industrial buildings. It was conceived as a central gathering place for visitors to the Olympics that could be used by the city after the event. Phase 1 was completed in time for the Olympics and provided space for exhibits, entertainment and medal presentations. You may remember the bombing that took place here in July 27th 1996 that killed 2 people and injured many others. Phase 2 was completed in 1998. On March 14, 2008 it sustained some minor damage from a tornado. The park is surrounded by the Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola, the National Center of Civil and Human Rights as well as the CNN Center, the Mercedes Benz Stadium, Philips Arena and the College Football Hall of Fame as well as many other attractions. There are various sculptures, water features and fountains and a huge ferris wheel with enclosed cars.
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