The Civil Rights Memorial honors the achievements and memory of those who died during the Civil Rights Movement, a period framed by the momentous Brown v. Board decision in 1954 and the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King in 1968. The memorial serves as a vehicle for education and reflection about the struggle for equality.

Wreath laying at Civil Rights Memorial

Created by Vietnam Veterans Memorial designer Maya Lin, the memorial is located across the street from the Southern Poverty Law Center's office building in Montgomery, Alabama, a city rich with civil rights history.


The Memorial is just around the corner from the church where Dr. King served as pastor during the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955-1956, and the capitol steps where the Selma-to-Montgomery voting rights march ended in 1965. The Memorial is located on an open plaza accessible to visitors 24 hours a day, every day of the week.


Individuals who lost their lives in the struggle for equal rights during the modern American Civil Rights Movement — 1954-1968.

In 2000, the Civil Rights Memorial was rededicated to the memory of Johnnie Mae Chapell and the countless others lost to random racist violence during the civil rights era, including this list of 74.

The story behind the making of the Civil Rights Memorial, including the dedication speech delivered by Julian Bond.
The Wall of Tolerance displays the names of people who have pledged to take a stand against hate and work for justice and tolerance.
Plan your visit to Montgomery and the Civil Rights Memorial.
Confirm a guided tour of the Civil Rights Memorial Center for your group.