MLK Statue

In 1997, the Martin Luther King Prayer Breakfast Committee was still sponsored by Asheville Parks & Recreation Department. That year, the committee raised more than $30,000 from public contributions to erect the unique life-size bronze statue of Dr. King that is the centerpiece of Asheville’s Martin Luther King Park. Upon its installation the statue became the property of the City of Asheville.

"The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Association of Asheville and Buncombe County is part of the community, and our community is a diverse gathering of people who all are affected by gun violence and the trauma it creates. Gun violence does not have a regard for race, age or gender. It's a community issue, and the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Association will listen, work and contribute to the efforts of those individuals and organizations that have led in wrestling with this issue over a long period of time. We can all work together to make a difference in our community."

-Dr. Oralene Graves Simmons, President,
The Martin Luther King, Jr., Association of Asheville & Buncombe County