Unified Civic Monuments Project

Raising public art in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in southwest Michigan.

Throughout the United States, communities – including our own – face a painful conflict. We prize equality and love, and yet injustice continues to oppress our brothers and sisters because of the color of their skin.

Change starts locally, in the heart of a single person, a single community. Now is the time to unite; not by the color of our skin, but by the content of our hearts. Now is the time to let justice ring. Now is the time to set ourselves free.

To solidify our intent, help us erect monuments in both St. Joseph and Benton Harbor. This public art will honor the influence and strength of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and remind us of the value of all humanity.

This project is led by the founders of the African American History & Literature Gallery, with the support of Krasl Art Center, Lake Michigan College, the BH/SJ Arts & Culture Social Justice Group, and the cities of Benton Harbor and St. Joseph. 

On 11/19/2024 the two monuments were unveiled in St. Joseph & Benton Harbor Martin Luther King III was in attendance. 

The Monuments

A Seat at the Table

At the entrance to Dwight P. Mitchell City Center Park in Benton Harbor, facing Main Street, Dr. King will welcome you to the City of Benton Harbor. His life-sized figure will stand at a table of brotherhood, arms outstretched, encouraging all to join the conversation.

Benton Harbor city officials have fully approved the concept and location of the monument.

Dr. King stands at a table in front of a wall that reads At the Table of Brotherhood. A young boy pushes a chair up to the table.

Located at Dwight Pete Mitchell City Center Park

Benton Harbor, MI 49022

The Mountaintop

The design for a companion monument in St. Joseph was approved on March 27, 2023. Dr. King will look toward Benton Harbor from atop a small hill along the St. Joseph River at the west end of Margaret B. Upton Arboretum. The site is just 1.5 miles from the Benton Harbor monument. 

Dr. King’s hand rests on the shoulders of a little Black girl. A white girl releases doves towards Benton Harbor. She represents the hope for a peaceful and joyful future between the two towns.

The installation will acknowledge the challenges of our history and remind us of the power of unity. We can accomplish this – and more – together.

Located at where Water St. & Vine St. Meets 

St. Joseph, MI 49085