Statue of Martin Luther King Jr., Civil rights monument in Newark, United States.
The Statue of Martin Luther King Jr. is a large bronze monument at the Essex County Government Complex in Newark, New Jersey. The figure holds documents representing the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act, and stands on a granite pedestal.
The monument was installed in 2021 at the Martin Luther King Justice Building in Newark, connecting the statue to a building that already carried his name. Newark has a long history tied to the civil rights movement, and this installation grew out of that local connection.
The statue carries inscribed quotes from King about brotherhood and service, carved directly into the stone base. Visitors often stop to read them, making the visit feel more personal than a typical monument stop.
The monument stands on the grounds of the Essex County Government Complex and is visible from the street, making it easy to find on foot. It can be combined with a walk through downtown Newark, as other public buildings and open spaces are close by.
The outstretched arm of the figure was a deliberate choice by the sculptor, meant to suggest that the work King started is still ongoing rather than finished. This makes the statue feel more like a call to action than a tribute to someone from the past.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
