Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Bridge and Statue

  • M.L.K. Jr. Bridge
    Roanoke, VA
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The Martin Luther King Jr. statue at the Martin Luther King Memorial Bridge in Downtown Roanoke stands as a 7-foot tall bronze statue that was designed by the husband-and-wife team of Jeffery and Anna Varilla. The bridge, formerly known as the Henry Street Bridge, was renamed and dedicated in honor of Dr. King in 2008. The spot used to serve as a symbol of segregation in the city as it divided Downtown Roanoke from the Gainsboro neighborhood. Now, the bridge and statue feature quotes from Dr. King and it serves as a powerful symbol of the region's rich African American heritage and history. It's also located near the former Hotel Dumas on Henry Street, which was known for being the spot of legendary late-night jam sessions with musical icons like Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington and Count Basie.
