Warnock Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Restore “I Have a Dream” Plaque at Lincoln Memorial

Senator Reverend Warnock introduced legislation to restore the plaque commemorating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech at the Lincoln Memorial Despite years of damage, the historic plaque cannot be replaced without an act of Congress Senator Reverend Warnock : “The spot where Georgia’s greatest son spoke those historic words deserves to be properly restored to honor his legacy, vision, and fight for justice” Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) introduced the bipartisan Renewing the Dream Act to restore the plaque commemorating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech at the Lincoln Memorial. The plaque marks the exact spot where Dr. King delivered his iconic speech during the 1963 March on Washington, but years of wear and tear have left the historic marker faded and increasingly difficult to read. Private funds have been raised to replace the plaque but the King family was informed by the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) that its replacement would require an act of Congress. “Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s words from his ‘I Have a Dream’ speech resonate as powerfully today as they did then,” said Senator Reverend Warnock. “The spot where Georgia’s greatest son spoke those historic words deserves to be properly restored to honor his legacy, vision, and fight for justice.” “America was founded on the ideals of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. To become a more perfect union, leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. had to speak the truth and challenge our nation to live up to our founding ideals,” said Senator Tim Scott (R-SC). “His ‘I Have a Dream’ speech brought the promise of America closer to reality, and by continuing to honor his legacy on this plaque, we can remind future generations of the power of speaking the truth and standing up for justice for all.” “I’m grateful to Senator Raphael Warnock for introducing the Renewing the Dream Act to replace the plaque commemorating my father’s ‘I Have a Dream’ speech at the Lincoln Memorial,” said Dr. Bernice King. “His call for freedom, justice, and equality still demands action. I urge bipartisan support for this legislation and a renewed commitment to confronting injustice, practicing nonviolence, and creating the Beloved Community.” Senator Warnock has long worked to honor and carry forward the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement. For more than 20 years, he has served as Senior Pastor of Atlanta’s historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, the former pulpit and spiritual home of Dr. King. The legislation was introduced alongside Senator Tim Scott (R-SC). Full text of the Renewing the Dream Act is available HERE . ###