Statue of Martin Luther King Jr. (Newark) facts for kids

There are two statues of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Newark, New Jersey. Both are found at the Essex County Courthouse Complex, specifically at the Martin Luther King Justice Building. These statues help us remember his important work for civil rights.

Dr. King's First Statue (2015)

Quick facts for kids
Artist	Thomas Jay Warren
Year	Official opening October 14, 2015
Type	Bronze figure atop granite pedestal
Dimensions	8 ft (2.4 m) (height)
Location	Essex County Courthouse Newark, New Jersey

This statue was created by artist Thomas Jay Warren. It was shown to the public for the first time on October 14, 2015. The statue is made of bronze and is 8 feet (about 2.4 meters) tall. It stands on a granite base that is 3 feet (about 0.9 meters) tall.

The statue shows Dr. King with his arms open wide. His head is tilted down a little so people can see his face easily. The base of the statue has words like "Hope," "Equality," "Peace," "Courage," "Love," and "Respect." It also mentions his famous "I Have a Dream" speech and his Nobel Peace Prize.

What the Plaque Says

A special plaque next to the statue tells more about Dr. King. It explains that he was a young minister from Georgia. He became a leader in the nationwide civil rights movement. This movement worked to make sure all people had equal rights.

Dr. King led many peaceful protests. He helped end unfair rules like segregated seating on buses. He supported "Freedom Riders" who challenged old laws. He also helped young people who did "sit-ins" at lunch counters that were segregated. He always taught people to use non-violence, even when things were difficult.

Dr. King inspired thousands of people of all backgrounds. More than 200,000 supporters gathered in Washington, D.C., for his famous "I have a dream…" speech. As the leader of the Southern Christian Leadership Council, he helped bring attention to unfair treatment in the country. His work helped pass the 1964 Civil Rights Act. This law changed American history forever. Dr. King won the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts.

About the Artist

The sculptor, Thomas Jay Warren, said he wanted to show Dr. King at a younger age. He tried to capture how Dr. King looked when he visited Newark. Warren has also created other statues in the Essex County Government Complex. These include statues of Rosa Parks and other important figures. This first statue of Dr. King was later moved to the entrance of the new courthouse building.

Dr. King's Second Statue (2021)

Artist	Thomas Jay Warren
Year	Official opening June 19, 2021
Type	Bronze figure atop granite pedestal
Dimensions	22 ft (6.7 m) (height)
Location	Essex County Courthouse Newark, New Jersey

The second statue of Dr. King was also made by Thomas Jay Warren. It was officially opened on June 19, 2021. This statue is much larger, standing 22 feet (about 6.7 meters) tall. It is placed on an 8-foot (about 2.4 meters) granite base.

This statue shows Dr. King with his right arm reaching out. He is holding papers that represent important victories for civil rights. These include the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The base of this statue has powerful quotes from Dr. King. One quote says, "We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools." Another reminds us, "only when it is dark enough, can you see the stars." He also said, "I have decided to stick with love, hate is too great a burden to bear." And he asked, "Life's most persistent and urgent question is, What are you doing for others?"

Inside the Justice Building

The lobby inside the Martin Luther King Justice Building is also a tribute to Dr. King. It has a large mural with photos and quotes from him. There is also a big screen that plays videos of Dr. King. These works were created by Terri Haskins. In the lobby, you can also see a bronze bust of John Lewis. He was a Congressman and a civil rights leader. John Lewis was a close friend and helper of Dr. King.

Other Statues of Dr. King

The original statue called Behold was made by Patrick Morelli. It is located in Atlanta, Georgia. Another copy of Behold was made for New Jersey. It was placed at Essex County College in Newark. This statue was dedicated in 1990.

See also

• List of public art in Newark, New Jersey
• Memorials to Martin Luther King Jr.
• List of streets named after Martin Luther King Jr.
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial (Jersey City)
• Civil rights movement in popular culture