Raskin, Bice, Johnson, Boebert Introduce Legislation to Install New Plaque at Lincoln Memorial Honoring Where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Gave His “I Have a Dream” Speech

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representatives Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Stephanie Bice (OK-05), Hank Johnson (GA-04) and Lauren Boebert (CO-04) introduced the bipartisan, bicameral Renewing the Dream Act to authorize the National Parks Service to install a new plaque near the steps of the Lincoln Memorial marking where Civil Rights Movement leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his famed “I Have a Dream” speech. “Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s moral clarity, rousing oratory and strategic nonviolent organizing propelled the Civil Rights Movement to the forefront of American consciousness,” said Rep. Raskin. “Our legislation honors the life and legacy of this Civil Rights Movement hero and his vision for a ‘Beloved Community’ by updating the dated, worn plaque marking where he delivered one of his greatest speeches. I’m grateful to this bipartisan group of my colleagues who are joining together to make sure Dr. King’s work and that moment is never forgotten.” “Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s ‘I Have a Dream’ speech is an iconic and critical moment in American history,” said Rep. Bice . “I’m proud to co-lead a bipartisan legislation which will replace the weathered plaque at the Lincoln Memorial, assuring that every American who visits can easily recognize this historical location for generations to come.” “The plaque commemorating the very spot where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his iconic ‘I Have a Dream’ speech is in need of renewal, just as his dream is in need of renewal today,” said Rep. Johnson. “Dr. King dreamed that one day this nation would rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: that all people are created equal. That dream remains as powerful and as necessary today as it was when he delivered those iconic words 63 years ago. I’m pleased to join Ranking Member Raskin and our bipartisan coalition to restore this historic marker and reaffirm the enduring power of Dr. King’s dream.” "For over a decade, I have had a dream that one day the now deteriorated and inconspicuous stone upon which Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. stood at the Lincoln Memorial to share his ‘Dreams,’ would one day be restored to the dignity it deserves,” said Daryl Davis, Cofounder of the Prohuman Foundation. “We at the Prohuman Foundation are grateful for the blessing of the King family and thrilled with the support of Representatives Jamie Raskin, Hank Johnson, Stephanie Bice and Lauren Boebert who are championing our mission of Renewing The Dream. Every American will be proud to stand in the very spot where Dr. King stood 63 years ago this year, share his Dream and help turn it into a reality." The Renewing the Dream Act authorizes the National Parks Service to install a new plaque near the steps of the Lincoln Memorial to honor Dr. King. Congress first authorized the plaque in October 2000. Since it was unveiled on August 22, 2003, constant exposure to the elements and countless footsteps have made the plaque nearly unreadable, as is evident in the picture below. The new plaque includes a more durable and beautiful design, as seen below, and is completely funded by private donations. Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech was delivered during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom on August 28, 1963. The march was part of a series of peaceful protests advocating for the civil rights and liberties of Black Americans. Representatives Andy Barr (KY-06) and Lucy McBath (GA-06) are original cosponsors of this legislation. The legislation is endorsed by the Prohuman Foundation and its founder, anti-racist activist and musician Daryl Davis. Daryl has advocated for the plaque’s replacement for more than ten years. The full bill text can be found here . ###