Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was one of the most transformative leaders in American history. He fought for hope, equality and justice for all. We widely recognize his contributions to the civil rights movement. However, it’s less common to hear about Martin Luther King Jr.’s funeral and where he was laid to rest.
Where is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s grave? What is his memorial like? Read on to discover how his final resting place isn’t just a mere grave site. Undoubtedly it is a powerful symbol of his lifelong commitment to peace and justice.
Dr. King’s Funeral: A Nation Bids Farewell
After Dr. Martin Luther King’s assassination in Memphis, Tennessee on April 4, 1968, his family faced the difficult task of planning his funeral and burial. Despite her grief, his widow, Coretta Scott King, ensured the funeral reflected Dr. King’s values.
On April 9th, family and close friends held a private service at Ebenezer Baptist Church, where Dr. King and his father had served as co-pastors. Civil rights leaders and close friends spoke, highlighting his dedication to nonviolence and love for humanity. As a result, instead of a grand and elaborate ceremony, the funeral was simple, yet deeply symbolic.
After the private service, an estimated 100,000 mourners lined the streets of Atlanta to pay their respects. Mourners loaded Dr King’s casket onto a wooden cart pulled by two mules named Belle and Ada. They carried the casket on a three and a half mile procession through the city. The procession was silent, accompanied only by the singing of freedom songs. The humble nature of the event powerfully symbolized Dr. King’s lifelong dedication to the poor and his fight for economic justice. It was also a direct link to the Poor People’s Campaign, a movement he was organizing at the time of his assassination.
Following the procession, a public memorial was held at Morehouse College, Dr. King’s alma mater. It was very emotional and featured gospel music, reflecting Dr. King’s deep connection to the African American church.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s grave at South-View Cemetery
Initially, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s grave was at South-View Cemetery, Atlanta’s oldest Black-owned cemetery. This cemetery has long served as a resting place for prominent African American leaders, including Julian Bond, Henry O’ Flipper and Benjamin Mays.
Honoring Dr. King’s legacy
From the start, Coretta Scott King wanted to honor her husband’s legacy in a way that would inspire future generations. She decided to establish the King Center for Nonviolent Social Change as a testament to her husband’s ideals. As a result, her decision ensured that his grave site would become a place of activism, education and reflection, rather than merely a historical location. Subsequently the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park in Atlanta, Georgia would become his final resting place.
The Design of Dr. King’s Tomb
The King family worked closely with garden designers and architects to create a unique memorial that embodies a vision of hope for peace and justice. The tomb is a granite sarcophagus surrounded by a garden and reflecting pool. The water represents purity and the ongoing ripple effect of Dr. King’s work.
The crypt itself is inscribed with the words:“Free at last, Free at last, Thank God Almighty I’m Free at last,” echoing the powerful words Dr. King spoke at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. in his ‘I Have a Dream’ speech (August 1963). Fittingly, the words serve as both a tribute to his life and a reminder of the freedoms he sought for all people.
An eternal flame is nearby, symbolizing the ongoing fight for justice and equality. It serves as a reminder that hope is always alive.
The King Center for Nonviolent Social Change
In 1970, the King family exhumed his body from South-View Cemetery and moved it to the King Center. By building this dedicated facility, Coretta Scott King created a place for inspiration, education, and a renewed commitment to the principles of social justice.
Consequently, the King Center has since become a place of pilgrimage for people from all walks of life, and all around the world.
Coretta Scott King passed away in 2006. Her children interred her remains alongside Dr. King in the same granite tomb. The beautiful shared burial crypt reflects their shared partnership in life. Two ground-breaking civil rights pioneers would rest in peace together, side by side once more.
Visiting Dr. King’s Resting Place
Today, Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park includes his tomb, childhood home, and Ebenezer Baptist Church. Admission is free and it is open Monday to Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Whether you visit to pay your respects, or to learn about the civil rights movement, Dr. King’s final resting place is a profound reminder of the power of one person’s vision to change the world.
Remembering Dr. King in Southern California and beyond
The King Center is located in Atlanta, Georgia, but there are memorials and events honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., all over the nation. Martin Luther King Jr. Day became a federal holiday in 1986. The United States observes this holiday annually on the third Monday of January.
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Tree Grove
This 15,000 square foot grove of trees is reminiscent of the outdoor site in Washington D.C , where Dr. King delivered his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech in 1963. The memorial features an obelisk bearing his likeness, framed by stones engraved with Dr. King’s most famous quotes. It is located at the highest point of Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area in Los Angeles and offers panoramic views of the city. It’s a beautiful place to visit.
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Compton
This tribute to Dr. King was built in 1978 by Gerald Gladstone. It consists of simple, straight white panels that rise up from different locations and meet in a circle. The sculpture is surrounded by the Compton Courthouse, Compton Library, and Compton City Hall. It resembles a mountain, referencing King’s final speech “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop“. At the center is a shallow reflecting pool, reminiscent of the reflecting pool near Dr. King’s tomb in Atlanta.
The memorial stands as a significant landmark in the community, honoring Dr King’s contributions to civil rights. You can find the King Memorial at 205 S. Willowbrook Drive in Compton, CA.
Los Angeles Kingdom Day Parade
The LA Kingdom Day Parade is one of the nation’s largest and longest-running celebrations of Dr. King’s life and legacy. 2025 marks its 40th anniversary. The annual parade is organized by the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE), and features marching bands, floats, dancers, and community groups.
Please note: The 2025 Kingdom Day Parade will take place on February 17, 2025.
The Enduring Impact of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Burial Place
What can we learn from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s grave?
Dr. King’s final resting place in Atlanta serves as a powerful reminder of his unwavering commitment to justice and equality. His widow, Coretta Scott King, went to great lengths to create a perfect tribute that would preserve his legacy for generations.
From his tomb at the King Center to memorials in cities like Los Angeles, there are many ways to connect with Dr. King’s life and work. By visiting these sites, participating in community events, and sharing his teachings, we can strive to build a better world for all.
A Network of Care
At Bayer Cemetery Brokers, we understand the importance of preserving the memory of loved ones. For over 25 years we have helped families in Southern California and beyond find the perfect resting place for their loved ones at the most cost-effective price.
If you’re interested in purchasing cemetery property, or if you have a burial plot you no longer need, we are here to help: Contact us here
Licensed and bonded by the California Cemetery and Funeral Bureau.