A B-Cube on the MLK Memorial Dedication

Since we survived the earthquake on Tuesday, now all we need to do is hope that Hurricane Irene takes a sudden detour out to sea.  Folks from all over the country are in town to celebrate the dedication of the MLK Memorial and it would be nice if Mother Nature would give us a pass. 

Not that I am arguing with Mother Nature, but she's been cranky this summer.  Heatwaves throughout the month of July and crazy thunder storms for the past two weeks, and then of course, the Earthquake that our friends in California poo-poohed as small.  Well, yeah leave us and our 5.8 magnitude quake (and the 4.5 aftershock that I distinctly felt this morning around 1am) alone.  Just know that you will get NO SYMPATHY from us if ya'll get any snow this winter.

Anyway, back to the dedication info (and a few links in case you need them):

Build the Dream - This is the official site for the MLK National Memorial Foundation and it includes the official schedule of activities associated with the dedication this weekend (still taking donations for the remaining $5 million as well).

Some of the events posted on this site are ticketed events, but in keeping with the B-cube philosophy of promoting activites for the broke, busy woman on a budget, here are the freebies:

• See the memorial now!  It won't cost you anything to head over to the National Mall to catch a glimpse of the memorial before 10pm this evening when it closes for the official re-unveiling on Sunday.  I drove by earlier today (along Independence Ave) and it looks spectacular!
• Check out the free public expo at the Convention Center, which opened today and will be open through Sunday. 
• Free performance tomorrow at the Kennedy Center's Millenium Stage featuring Raheem DeVaughn
• Pre-Dedication Musical Tribute, the actual Dedication, and the Concert on the Mall, all taking place on Sunday, August 28 and all FREE

Or you could just skip all of the hooplah this weekend and check it out the memorial whenever...



For other links to all things MLK for this weekend and beyond, here are a few other recommendations:

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. - The men of Alpha, King's fraternity, made this dream for a national monument a reality.  My father's chapter, Mu Lambda, is hosting a crab fest on Saturday (the BBW might make an appearance, but you will so totally know exactly who my dad is as soon as you walk in, lol).  Cost: $55

MLK Memorial Library - Before the national monument, the main library downtown was our local meeting place to celebrate all things related to MLK. It is also where you can see one of the most stirring murals of the events associated with the Civil Rights Movement. Cost: Free

Morehouse College - MLK's alma mater in Atlanta, GA, where in front of the MLK International Chapel, there stands a giant obelisk and a slighly smaller statue of Dr. King pointing towards what (my brother, Morehouse Man, cannot remember exactly).  Worth a visit the next time you visit Atlanta.  Cost: Free

For the locals, check out the tribute concert this Sunday night at the Kennedy Center, sponsored by Morehouse and hosted by Morehouse alum Samuel L. Jackson.  If the tickets for the concert are too steep for you ($100), then check out the House at the Nation's Football Classic on September 10 at RFK stadium when they square off against Howard University. **of course, that event has nothing to do with MLK, so look for more info in a later post about the events taking place that weekend**

MLK Center for Nonviolent Social Change - This is the final resting place for MLK and his beloved wife Coretta.  Located in Atlanta, GA just steps away from various other historic venues important to the King family, such as Ebenezer Baptist Church and the MLK National Historic Site (managed by the National Park Service), this is a nice way to kill an hour or two. Cost: Free

Spelman College - My alma mater, and where you can visit Sisters Chapel, the church where King's wake was held because it was the largest church in Atlanta at the time. You might as well visit the entire Atlanta University Center (AUC) while there, so be sure to visit our campus and then see Clark Atlanta University, the Morehouse School of Medicine, Morris Brown College and Interdenominational Theological Center. Cost: Free

National Civil Rights Museum - This museum was built on the site of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, TN, where MLK was assassinated.  I have never been, but this is definitely a must-see if you want to learn more about the Civil Rights Movement. Cost: $9.50-13 (free for Tennessee residents on Mondays).

One last thing, the Rev. Al Sharpton will be leading a Rally for Jobs and Justice on Saturday to mark the 48th Anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, in case you were wondering if there was anything else going on this weekend.  The rally will start at noon on Constitution Ave and 17th Street (near the White House and the Washington Monument).

And that is all folks, enjoy the weekend!  (And Irene, please change course or slow down, thanks).