Minnesota Contributes to Memorial

Last week the Washington, D.C. Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial opened up to the public with special links to Minnesotan companies. Minneapolis based Best Buy donated $1 million to help fund the memorial, marking the company’s first donation to a national capital fund.

Other ties to Minnesota

Lei Yixin was named the lead sculptor for the Stone of Hope after his “Mediation” sculpture, carved from limestone quarried in Minnesota, received national attention. “Meditation” is now featured in St. Paul’s Phalen Park. In addition, some of the memorial’s stone was quarried and fabricated by Minnesota’s Cold Spring Granite.

“Dr. King’s powerful story inspires us all to live by his example of service, peace and equality,” said Brian J. Dunn, CEO, Best Buy. “It’s in Best Buy’s DNA to carry forward these same values and the spirit of inclusion and respect promoted by Dr. King; our involvement in the memorial is one way to honor him and his dream.”

The memorial opened to the public on Aug. 22, with dedication celebrations beginning Aug. 24, culminating in a dedication ceremony.