Unveiled for the first time in 2018, the Martin Luther King Jr. Reflection Park at the corner of Martin Luther King Drive and Main St. in Downtown Memphis was “unveiled” again yesterday after new renovations — and Mayor Paul Young was on hand for the occasion.
Young quoted King in his remarks, referencing King’s 1967 “I have decided to love” statement. That quote, along with excerpts from King’s “I Have A Dream” and “Mountaintop” speeches, are etched on kiosks in the park — among the key upgrades to a city park that’s tiny in size, but huge in impact.
While King is most often quoted for his Civil Rights work, Young leaned into his own “decision to love,” calling on Memphians to do the same. Young said the solution to all of Memphis’ problems can be solved with love.
“The time has come for us to stop speaking negatively, and with hate. The time has come for us to speak with love, to speak life into our communities,” Young said.
“This park is here to remind us that LOVE is always going to be the answer — love for each other, love for our city,” Young continued. “And with that love comes kinder words about our city and our community, and our neighbors.”
If you missed the ceremony, check out TSD’s coverage above! And here are Young’s comments to media after the ceremony:
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