Engagement on a Proposed Memorial to Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

We want to hear from you!

In 2021, Cincinnati City Council dedicated $1 million to develop and build a memorial to Dr. King and his legacy at the northeast corner of the intersection of Reading Road and MLK Drive in Avondale.

In August of 2021, The City issued a RFQ – Request for Qualifications / Call for Artists, and a total of 28 artists responded. After a review process, a project evaluation committee developed a short-list of 7 artists, who are preparing a a full proposal for consideration to be submitted in June 2022.

The voting and non-voting members of the evaluation committee includes city staff, residents of the Avondale neighborhood, the Baptist Ministers Alliance, and the MLK Family Foundation.

The winning artist will be announced in summer 2022, and the Memorial Unveiling and Ceremony date is scheduled for August 28, 2023, which corresponds with and commemorates the 60th anniversary of Dr. King’s "I Have a Dream" speech during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom on August 28, 1963.

The survey below has been designed to gather your input and for both the City and the artists to learn your wishes and dreams about a future Memorial to Dr. King.

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* 1. How do you identify yourself?

Cincinnati Resident

Community Leader

Uptown-Area Property Owner

Uptown-Area Business or Organizational Leader

Other (please specify)

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* 2. If you are a Cincinnati Resident, in which neighborhood do you live?

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* 3. What words would you use to describe Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.?

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* 4. What about Dr. King's connection to Cincinnati is important for people to know?

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* 5. What aspects or history about Avondale or the surrounding community should be reflected in the Memorial?

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* 6. How would you like the site to be used as a Memorial? (Select your top 3)

A Community Gathering Space

A place for Quiet Reflection

A place for Community Events

A place with Educational Elements

A place for Advocacy/Activism

A place for Youth

Other (please specify)

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* 7. What amenities would you like to see at a future Memorial? (Select your top 3).

A statue of Dr. King

References to other Civil Rights leaders with Cincinnati connections

Seating - benches, tables and chairs

A Water feature - a fountain or reflecting pool

Landscaping - trees, flowers, bushes, other plantings

Good Lighting

An Educational or Interactive feature

A Kiosk or Souvenir Shop

An Amphitheater

Walking paths/Connection to Wasson Way

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* 8. What type of art speaks to you most?

Traditional art

Modern art

Abstract art

Historical art

Street art

Art depicting social issues

Kinetic art (art that is in motion)

Technology-based art

Interactive art

Other (please specify)

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* 9. When you close your eyes and imagine a Memorial to Dr. King, what do you see?

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* 10. What would make Cincinnati's Memorial to Dr. King uniquely different than other existing Memorials, and what features would make you feel as though his legacy lives on?

Engagement on a Proposed Memorial to Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

We want to hear from you!

Question Title

* 1. How do you identify yourself?

Question Title

* 2. If you are a Cincinnati Resident, in which neighborhood do you live?

Question Title

* 3. What words would you use to describe Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.?

Question Title

* 4. What about Dr. King's connection to Cincinnati is important for people to know?

Question Title

* 5. What aspects or history about Avondale or the surrounding community should be reflected in the Memorial?

Question Title

* 6. How would you like the site to be used as a Memorial? (Select your top 3)

Question Title

* 7. What amenities would you like to see at a future Memorial? (Select your top 3).

Question Title

* 8. What type of art speaks to you most?

Question Title

* 9. When you close your eyes and imagine a Memorial to Dr. King, what do you see?

Question Title

* 10. What would make Cincinnati's Memorial to Dr. King uniquely different than other existing Memorials, and what features would make you feel as though his legacy lives on?

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* 11. If you are interested in speaking with one of the artists preparing a proposal, please provide your full name and preferred contact information.