"...it’s a wonderful feeling to see our homeboy on the National Mall..."

By Janel Davis

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

“I am thinking about what every moment feels like so I have this memory forever. I’ll carry this day in my heart. For me the importance is twofold: as the leader of Atlanta, which is so proud of one of it’s native sons, and as a personal beneficiary as well.” -- Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed

Enlarge photo

Andre Chung, MCT Bernice King, daughter of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., addresses the audience at the official ceremony for the dedication of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial on the National Mall, Sunday, October 16, 2011, in Washington, D.C.

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“When I was a young boy and used to see [King] marching in different cities on television it was exciting. And to come here and experience it live, I’ve never seen this many people celebrate Martin Luther King for the man he was. Atlanta has made it’s mark, now it’s about keeping it up and keeping the dream alive.” - Atlanta resident Avery Barker

“Dr. King’s dream is still alive and we’re living it right now. My generation has the opportunities we have because of people like Martin Luther King, Ambassador [Andrews] Young and Congressman [John] Lewis, who stood up and led. I always want to come to events like this to remind me of how the doors were opened, people died and fought for our freedom, and I never want to take it for granted.” - actor Chris Tucker

“We started something 28 years ago when folks thought it couldn’t be done and was too large of a task … so to get here on this day and to dedicate it during the era of [President Barack] Obama, we’re ecstatic. Dr. King is my homeboy and it’s a wonderful feeling to see our homeboy on the National Mall. Atlanta is doubly excited.” - Herman “Skip” Mason, president of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., King's fraternity, which conceived the idea for the monument.

“The people that came out to support Dr. king, to see his family and to hear his followers echo his words of wisdom and encouragement, it’s just a confirmation that history was made. I take back a sense of encouragement, and the attitude to serve.” -- Atlanta resident Tony Barker

“This monument probably solidifies history that perhaps has already happened, but the fact is a holiday for example, could be changed to another type name. But as long as our civilization exists and our nation’s capital exists, this monument will be here to honor the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.” - Martin Luther King III

“My mother wouldn’t let us go to the March on Washington that summer [in 1963] and I missed the viewing of his body in Atlanta because I was pregnant and couldn’t stand in line. I had to get here and see his monument for myself.” - Atlanta resident Brenda Giles

“Experiencing everything this weekend gives me a sense of urgency and a call to action; reigniting the passion about why we do what we do and to ensure that the girls are sharing their experiences with friends and families so that we can truly honor Dr. King and his wife.”- Dr. Dione Simon, principal of the middle school of the Coretta Scott King Young Women’s Leadership Academy for girls in Atlanta, which brought almost 60 middle and high-school girls to Washington for the ceremony