“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” These powerful words of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. are inscribed right here at the Dr. King Bust. This is more than just a sculpture. It’s a tribute to a civil rights leader. It stands as a reminder of the ongoing fight for equality.
This Dr. King Bust is located in the Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza on the USF Tampa campus. This plaza wasn’t always the picturesque space you see today. Back in the day, it was just criss-crossing sidewalks with a small bust of Dr. King.
But in 1996, everything changed. A renovation transformed the plaza into a central gathering place for the campus. The Dr. King Bust took center stage. It became part of a trellised colonnade leading to the Marshall Center.
The dedication ceremony was a major event. A Parade of Nations celebrated the diversity of USF. There was a prayer, a poem, and a re-enactment of the “I Have a Dream” speech. It marked the end of USF’s 40th-anniversary celebration. Students funded the MLK Plaza improvements.
The inscription shows that Linda Ackley created this bust. It shows the copyright symbol and the year 91. The plaque states “Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza in recognition of a human rights activist”. It further recognizes him as a scholar orator and Nobel Peace Prize recipient.
The Dr. King Bust stands as a testament to change. It’s the first monument honoring Dr. King at a Florida public university. The MLK Plaza was founded in 1982. The Black Student Union initiated it. Various campus organizations supported it financially.
The plaza was renovated in 1996. This aimed to evoke the imagery of the National Mall. King delivered his “I Have A Dream” speech there. The MLK Plaza quickly became a place for activism.
In 1992, the plaza was a site of student protest. In 1999, there were protests against limiting free speech on campus. In 1986, students built a shantytown to protest apartheid. A counter-protest resulted in a vandalized Soviet gulag exhibit.
In 2003, there was vandalism to the Dr. King Bust. This outraged and disappointed students. They felt it indicated a continued need to fight for civil rights. In 2009, the sculptor reported that this bust was returned to her. It was melted and recast as part of a new bust of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for the University of South Florida.
The Dr. King Bust and the MLK Plaza embodies dual purposes. It provides a relaxing outdoor environment. It serves as a reminder to fight for the rights of all. It is inspired by the legacy of Dr. King. As you reflect on the words and the man, remember that the pursuit of justice is a journey, not a destination.