OUR HEROES
THE 1965 FREEDOM PLAZA
The Embrace and the 1965 Freedom Plaza are reminders of the Kings’ high ideals born from struggle—to foster a “beloved community.” Beneath the artwork, the 1965 Freedom Plaza honors 69 civil rights and social justice leaders active in Greater Boston from 1950 to 1975. Many of them marched alongside Dr. King in 1965 when he led a crowd of 22,000 from Roxbury to the Parkman Bandstand, just steps from the memorial. In his speech, Dr. King called on Boston to confront racism and economic injustice. The names of these honorees are commemorated with a bronze plaque embedded within the plaza.
Learn more about each of OUR HEROES by clicking here into the Stories APP:
THE STORY BEGAN IN BOSTON
The Embrace Digital Experience is a self-guided app offering storytelling, first-hand accounts and historical photos and images to visitors.
MEET OUR HEROES
This digital experience allows visitors to explore the monument, and the 1965 Freedom Plaza beneath it at their own pace, while learning more about Boston’s civil rights legacy and the incredible contribution of the Kings. The Embrace and the 1965 Freedom Plaza are reminders of the Kings’ high ideals born from struggle—to foster a “beloved community.”
FEEL THE HISTORY & IMAGINE THE FUTURE
We welcome you to hear stories of local civil rights struggles while the Kings made Boston their home; be introduced to civil rights and social justice leaders active in Greater Boston from 1950 –1975; listen to reflections from the artist, Hank Willis Thomas; as well as behind-the-scenes insights on how The Embrace Monument was created.