For decades, the existing statue has received mixed reviews from residents.
SAN ANTONIO — A renewed effort is underway to bring a new statue of Martin Luther King Jr. to MLK Plaza on the city’s east side.
East-side native Otis Thompson is urging local leaders to consider replacing the current statue with one that reflects San Antonio’s national significance in celebrating Dr. King, citing the city’s annual march, which organizers say is the largest in the nation.
For decades, the existing statue has received mixed reviews from residents. The version currently displayed at MLK Plaza is the second iteration of the monument. It was unveiled in 1989 after the original creator made three revisions from the initial installment placed in 1981.
When the updated version was unveiled, some San Antonians said it did not look better than the first statue, while others argued it was a clear improvement.
Thompson said he believes the city should install a replica of the “Stone of Hope” statue of King that stands in Washington, D.C., saying it would connect San Antonio to the history of Dr. King’s march to the U.S. capital.
“I think that if we can get a better representation of Dr. King, then I think that that would go well with our image across this nation and then particularly in Washington, D.C.,” Thompson said. “I think we would have made a step in the right direction.”
Thompson said he has written a letter to the MLK Commission about obtaining a new statue and is waiting for the commission’s response.