MLK Jr. Park to Reopen Thanks to Delta Air Lines Donation

Image: PHOTO: The birth home of Martin Luther King, Jr. (photo via Wikimedia Commons/Michael Barera)
Image: PHOTO: The birth home of Martin Luther King, Jr. (photo via Wikimedia Commons/Michael Barera)
Alex Temblador
by Alex Temblador
Last updated: 11:00 AM ET, Sat January 19, 2019

With the government shutdown, all national parks and historical sites are shut down and that included the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park.

However, thanks to Delta Air Lines, the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park will reopen its doors just in time for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Delta Air Lines Foundation gave the National Parks Service an $83,500 grant to reopen the national park in Atlanta starting today, January 19. It will remain open until February 3rd.

The grant will cover costs associated with clean up, administration, maintenance, and operating costs of employees for the next 16 days.

"It is not possible to overstate our appreciation to The Delta Air Lines Foundation for ensuring the Martin Luther King, Jr. sites are accessible to the American people as we honor Dr. King on the 90th anniversary of his birth," said Acting Secretary of the Interior David L. Bernhardt.

"This is yet another example of private organizations stepping up to ensure that our visitors from across the nation and around the world are able to have a meaningful experience at national parks."

The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park is 35 acres and includes sites like the civil rights leader's home, Ebenezer Baptist Church, where he was a co-pastor, Fire Station No. 6., and the visitor center.

This year marks the 90th anniversary of MLK Jr.'s birthday.

"These historic landmarks represent the strength of our community and should always be made available for the public to enjoy," Delta CEO Ed Bastian wrote in a LinkedIn post.


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