ROCKY MOUNT, N.C.-
A historical marker was unveiled Monday commemorating the site where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered one of the earliest versions of his “I Have A Dream” speech.
Hundreds of people attended a ceremony and march held near the high school where King spoke in November 1962. Attendees said the silver sign with black lettering honors the slain civil rights leader while acknowledging a moment in the city’s history that might otherwise be overlooked.
“There are so many things he predicted, and it has come to pass,” said former city councilwoman Helen Gay, who witnessed King’s speech nearly 45 years ago. “Maybe some of the children will have something to be inspired by.”
The sign is part of state’s Highway Historical Marker Program, which places markers at historically significant sites throughout North Carolina. Since the program was created by the state Legislature in 1935, more than 1,400 signs containing information about historic buildings or events have been erected across the state.
The marker honoring King’s speech in Rocky Mount, a city about 50 miles east of Raleigh, is among 16 historical markers in Edgecombe County and the fourth dedicated to black history in the county.
Yvonne Thorpe lived near Booker T. Washington High School when King came to town. Although she was unable to attend the speech, Thorpe said King’s presence seemed to touch everyone.
“I was just thinking about all the things he stood for,” Thorpe recalled during Monday’s festivities. “He was a peaceful man, and he did things in a peaceful way.”
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Information from: Rocky Mount Telegram,
