Honoring Dr. King's Legacy: New House Museum in Camden

 

These photos were taken in December 2017 before the March 2023 fire damaged the historical building. 



In Camden, New Jersey centered around the charred remains of a once boarded-up house on Walnut Street. This isn't just any building; it's where Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., an emblematic figure of the civil rights movement, once lived and learned, shaping his philosophy of peaceful protest. The story of this house, and the efforts to preserve its legacy, reflects a broader narrative of struggle and hope that resonates deeply in the community.


Pastor Amir Khan of New Beginnings Behavioral Health has been at the forefront of these efforts. Despite the setback of a devastating arson attack in March 2023, which left the historic site in ruins, Pastor Khan's vision remains undeterred. He envisions a new beginning for this site, proposing to erect a 10,000-square-foot museum that not only commemorates Dr. King's legacy but also serves as a beacon of learning and inspiration for future generations.


The proposed museum, inspired by the Atlanta King Center, aims to incorporate the adjacent vacant lot, transforming the space into a comprehensive tribute to King’s early and formative years.


From 1948 to 1951, Dr. King split his time between the Crozer Theological Seminary in Pennsylvania and Camden. It was here, in this unassuming New Jersey community, that he engaged in what would be one of his first acts of civil rights protest. On June 11, 1950, Dr. King and several companions walked into Mary’s Cafe on Route 73 in Maple Shade. They ordered ginger ales, fully aware of the hostile reception that awaited them.










The response was chilling. The cafe owner not only refused service but brandished a revolver, firing a shot into the air outside in a blatant threat to their lives. Undeterred, Dr. King took a stand that would hallmark his approach to civil rights: he filed a police report, leading to the owner being charged with disorderly conduct and a violation of New Jersey's 1945 civil rights law, which prohibits refusal of service based on race.


This incident at Mary’s Cafe is not merely a footnote in history; it represents the embryonic stage of Dr. King’s journey toward nonviolent protest and legal action—a dual approach that would define his leadership in the civil rights movement. The cafe was demolished in 2011, but a sign and a historical marker were installed in 2018 to ensure that this pivotal moment is not forgotten.


The efforts to memorialize Dr. King's time in Camden and his early activism are ongoing with the project but a lack of funding has become a focal concern in building out that dream. You can find more information or donate to this historic cause at the MLK Camden House.







Sources:



1. Brooks, B. (2023, March 12). Owner of Martin Luther King Jr. house that burned in Camden vows to rebuild. WHYY PBS.

2. Marshall, N. (2024, January 15). Martin Luther King Jr. lived in this burned-out N.J. house. Can it be saved?. NJ.com

3. News 12 Staff. (2024, January 14). Effort underway to turn MLK's former Camden home into museum that honors his legacy. news 12.

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