Memorial Bust of MLK Unveiled
Submitted by Al Shipley, City Historian and Rahway Library Research Consultant
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was one of the main leaders of the American civil rights movement and one of the great orators in American history. His “I Have a Dream” speech delivered during the 1963 March on Washington, was pivotal in raising the nation’s consciousness concerning the issues of civil rights. In 1964, Dr. King was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to end segregation and racial discrimination through civil disobedience and other non–violent means. Tragically, he was assassinated on April 4, 1968 while in Memphis, Tennessee.
After his death, cities across the country honored Dr. King’s memory by naming streets, parks, schools and other civic buildings after the slain leader. Many towns, including Rahway, chose to erect a monument to serve as a lasting tribute. The Rahway monument for Dr. King was unveiled as part of a three day observance in January, 1992. Under the direction of John J. Robertson, Chairman of the Memorial Park Committee, a campaign was developed to celebrate and memorialize Dr. King’s legacy.
The three day series of events, all held in the Union County Arts Center, began on Saturday evening, January 18, with a road company presentation of the award winning musical “Ain’t Misbehavin.” On Saturday afternoon, a documentary film based on the life and contributions of Dr. King was shown. The Memorial Dedication Ceremony, the highlight of the three day observance, was held on Monday, January 20. From nine A.M. to 11:30, a program of speakers and musical selections was presented in the theater. Senator Bill Bradley and Congressman Donald Payne were among the dignitaries who addressed the audience. The keynote speaker was the Reverend Dr. W. P. Collier Jr., administrative assistant to thePresiding Bishop of the First Episcopal District of the A.M.E. Church, Philadelphia, Pa. At the conclusion of the program, the assembly organized in front of the Arts Center for a march to the memorial site and the unveiling of the monument.
The morning was bitter cold, but a crowd of more than two hundred walked down Irving Street to the triangle of land formed at Broad, Cherry, and Campbell Streets behind the train station. This triangle would officially become Martin Luther King Park in 1996. Once at the site, Elder Robert L. Bragg led the ceremony which included the laying of wreaths. When the cover was removed, a handsome bronze bust of Dr. King atop a granite pillar was revealed. The sculpture was the creation of artisan Stanley Sawyer. The prayer of dedication was led by the Reverend Gerry M. Guess, Director of Communications, NAACP.
At the conclusion of the ceremonies, Chairman Robertson said, “It is a fitting tribute to Dr. King. It is a job well done and we owe it all to the committee and citizens of Rahway. This park will serve as a focal point for conversation.”
On the morning of January 16, 2023, a second monument was unveiled to honor the memory of Dr. King. The attractive stainless-steel column stands a short distance from the original monument and features inspirational quotes made by Dr. King. Mayor Raymond Giacobbe and the Rahway City Council, the Rahway Special Improvement District, the Rahway Social Justice Commission, and NAACP partners conceived and developed the program.
Now, 31 years later, Rahway’s tribute to the important legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. has been reaffirmed as a second memorial has been added to the park.
