Funds still needed for MLK Memorial

On the blustery morning of Nov. 13, thousands came together to commemorate the life of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Standing side by side, backs against the wind, people of all races and backgrounds celebrated as ground was broken on the National Mall in Washington, D. C., for the memorial to this civil rights legend. Even in death, Dr. King was able to unite this nation.

As co-chairs of the Executive Leadership Cabinet of the Martin Luther King, Jr., National Memorial Project Foundation, we owe a deep debt of gratitude to all of those whose generous support made the groundbreaking possible. However, we must keep in mind that amidst the excitement, and the wonderful media coverage of the historic groundbreaking, one important fact remains: Our job is not yet finished.

The Washington D.C. National Memorial cannot be completed until we reach our goal of $100 million. So far, the foundation has raised $70.4 million.

There is no doubt that Dr. King is a hero for all of humanity - and his rightful place among our nation's greatest leaders on the National Mall is overdue. Now, we must not rest until his memorial becomes a permanent, physical reminder that all people are created equal and that racial injustice cannot be tolerated in a civil and free society.

Dr. King was a staunch defender of such freedom and equality, and he put his life on the line to free all Americans - regardless of one's race, color, creed or national origin - from the tyranny of inequality.

Our nation indeed, our world - is a far better place because of the life he Inland the calling he answered. His place in the pantheon of American leadership enshrined on the National Mall is well-deserved.

By joining our actions with our intentions, we can ensure that the construction can begin in 2007 as scheduled. We hope that we can continue to build upon the dream he began so many years ago.

To contribute, please visit www.buildthedream.org for more information.

We appreciate your generosity, and we hope to return to Dr. King's site on the Mall in 2008 to reveal a finished monument, one worthy of his historic and noteworthy contributions to this great country.

[Author Affiliation]

Ambassador Andrew Young; Gary L. Cowger, General Motors Co-Chair, Executive Leadership Cabinet Co-Chair, Executive Leadership Cabinet Washington DC, Martin Luther King, Jr. Washington DC, Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project Foundation, Inc. National Memorial Project Foundation, Inc.