Atlanta reveals new MLK statue at Capitol

After a three-year wait, the 8-foot-bronze statue of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., was unveiled at the Georgia Capitol at 10 a.m. Monday.

The sculpture is from at least two blocks away, along the boulevard named for the civil rights icon.

“He’s gazing slightly toward MLK Boulevard,” said sculptor Martin Dawe. “You make people smile not by the mouth but by the eyes, so I have a slight glimmer that I hope comes through.”

Martin Dawe, sculptor and owner of Cherrylion Studios, was selected earlier this summer to design the statue that will be unveiled on Monday Aug. 28. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Dawe said the statue’s placement as well as the timing of the dedication raised the stakes for him.

To find out why and to read how Dawe used video to perfect King's likeness, click here.

For the latest, follow AJC Politically Georgia on Facebook or @GAPoliticsNews on Twitter.

Watch the unveiling ceremony below:

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Credit: Hyosub Shin/AJC

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