MLK PLAZA and ART

237 Franklin Street

Surrounded on three sides by buildings, this small plaza with greenery and seating connects the entrance ways to the Central Square Public Library, the Frank J. Manning Apartments, and the Green Street Parking Garage. Take time to walk around; the plaza is home to public art works, many of which connect to Dr. King.

Artist John Powell, created this tribute to the Civil Rights Movement via images and protest signs, from Harriet Tubman and Sojourner Truth to Martin Luther King Jr. (“Free At Last”). The back wall of the plaza is covered with these signs, disguising the facade of the garage and creating the backdrop for the art.  (Powell also created the Dana Park Quotes installation, seen earlier in the walk at Dana Park).

Artist Lilli Ann Rosenberg’s tribute mosaic titled “Tribute to Martin Luther King, Jr.”  was created in 1985 and honors King, who preached at nearby First Baptist Church (now Central Sq. Church) when he was a graduate student at Boston University. 

The mosaic mural depicts a towering mountain, flowing stream, and blazing sun—a visual translation of one of King’s most powerful quotes: “I just want to do God’s will and he has allowed me to go up to the mountain. I see the promised land.”