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Tags: King Memorial | Quote

Report: Quote on MLK Memorial Will be Changed

Friday, 13 January 2012 06:50 PM EST

WASHINGTON — A quote inscribed in stone on the new Martin Luther King memorial will likely be changed after complaints it didn't accurately reflect the civil rights leader's words.

The King memorial opened in August with the quote: "I was a drum major for justice, peace and righteousness."

The phrase is modified from a speech King began by saying, "Yes, if you want to say that I was a drum major, say that I was a drum major for justice ... "

Poet Maya Angelou said the truncated version made King sound like "an arrogant twit."

The Washington Post reported Friday that Interior Secretary Ken Salazar set a deadline in 30 days for the National Park Service to consult with interested parties and make a change.

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Friday, 13 January 2012 06:50 PM
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