Local organization raising money to honor MLK with statue

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – To honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., one local organization is raising money to install a statue in his honor.

Global Race Unity has spent the past few years fundraising, including Monday during a Martin Luther King Day celebration.

We spoke with some of the leaders there on why this statue is so important.

“We want to keep the life and legacy of Dr. King alive,” said Reverend Dr. Larry Fryer/CEO of Global Race Unity Inc.

Getting closer to their goal, but not quite close enough – yet.

“We’ve been awhile at it, but we are hoping now as we continue to pick up momentum to see that we get this done,” said Fryer.

So far they have $183,000 raised of their $250,000 goal.

It’s been a long process. Gaining traction and giving hope they could have the memorial done in the next few years.

“It’s been over 10 years. It’s slow,” said Fryer. “It shouldn’t be and we are encouraging people to please donate.”

So they offer opportunities to donate at events and celebrations across the CSRA like the one at Abeline Church.

Once all of the money is raised, Global Race Unity plans on placing the Martin Luther King Jr. statue close to 10th and broad near the Augusta welcome sign.

“Not only are we looking to keep his life and legacy alive, but we also want to encourage people about the importance of being there for each other, about being educated about the things that are positive in our community where we have had a lot of death and violence,” said Fryer.

Having a consistent reminder of where we came from and who we could be.

“By having Dr. King’s life and legacy before all of us, it keeps it alive, even for young people who don’t even know who he was,” said Fryer.

For more information on how to donate to Global Race Unity visit their website here.

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