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King Center/Ebenezer Baptist Church Event

June 11, 2017 @ 2:15 pm - 4:30 pm

Please join us as we celebrate Atlanta’s civil rights history and heritage by visiting the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change (often called the “King Center”) and the MLK National Historic Site on Sunday, June 11.  The self-guided tour will begin at 2:15 p.m., and our group will be gathering in the Grand Foyer of Freedom Hall. 

In addition, we have also arranged for those interested to be welcomed guests for the 11:30 a.m. service at Dr. King’s former church, Ebenezer Baptist.  Afterwards, Ebenezer Associate Minister Rev. Shanan Jones will meet with our group to discuss the history of the church, both generally and with respect to the civil rights movement, and to answer questions.

This promises to be a great outing with many opportunities to learn more about Dr. King and the struggle of the civil rights movement, so please come and join us.  If you would like to attend, please contact club treasurer Jeff Kamin at jeff@kaminassociates.com no later than Friday, June 9 to indicate how many attendees will be with you.


The King Center is one of Atlanta’s top attractions and draws nearly a million visitors each year.  As explained on its website, “the King Center is dedicated to educating the world on the life, legacy and teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., inspiring new generations to carry forward his unfinished work, strengthen causes and empower change-makers who are continuing his efforts today.”  In addition to the historic artifacts, photographs and writings that illuminate the life and work of Dr. King, there are other exhibits currently on display dedicated to two other well-known advocates of nonviolent protest, Mohandas Gandhi and Rosa Parks.  The MLK National Historic Site is situated adjacent to the King Center, and offers more things to see and do, such as the Civil Rights Walk of Fame, the International World Peace Rose Garden, and the crypt of Dr. and Mrs. King.  Also, guided trips to the birth home of Dr. King on Auburn Avenue will be available for those who reserve a ticket for that tour.  Please note: while admission to the King Center and the MLK National Historic Site (which includes the birth home) is free, attendants wishing to visit Dr. King’s birth home will need to reserve a ticket at the National Historic Site visitor’s center.  Tickets must be reserved in person and are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. 

The Ebenezer Baptist Church, which has been restored to the 1960 – 1968 period of Dr. King’s career as a civil rights leader, is, and has been, the spiritual home of many Atlanta citizens, including a large number living in the “Sweet Auburn” community.  Dr. King is the church’s most famous member, and it was there that the seeds of greatness from which he blossomed were sown.  He was baptized there as a child, and his funeral was held there.  After giving a trial sermon to the congregation at Ebenezer at the age of 19, Dr. King was ordained as a minister.  Dr. King served as co-pastor in 1947 until he left to attend Crozer Theological Seminary in September 1948.  From 1960 until his assassination in 1968, Dr. King again co-pastored Ebenezer Baptist Church.  In addition, the church was central to much of the organized civil rights work being carried on in Atlanta by Dr. King and other famous figures from the movement.

Details

Date:
June 11, 2017
Time:
2:15 pm - 4:30 pm