The artwork, “Civil Rights Memorial,” was created by the artist Maya Lin between 1988 and 1989. It belongs to the Post-Minimalism art movement and is categorized as a sculpture. The memorial is not only a poignant homage to the Civil Rights Movement but also an embodiment of Lin’s distinctive approach to minimalistic design.
The artwork features a circular black granite table, upon which a timeline of significant events in the Civil Rights Movement is inscribed. Water gently flows over the surface, creating a reflective and contemplative experience. Behind the table, a black granite wall bears the famous quote by Martin Luther King Jr.: “… until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream.” The sleek, minimalist design combined with the flowing water element creates a sense of peaceful solemnity while allowing visitors to engage deeply with the history and sacrifices of those who fought for civil rights.
