Springfield, IL  (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – The statue of slain civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. is set to return to Freedom Corner at 2nd Street and Capitol Avenue near the Illinois State Capitol. Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulis announced Tuesday the statue has undergone a successful restoration and is scheduled to be installed next month. A 24-year-old man was arrested for vandalizing and knocking over the sculpture in 2022.

“As we celebrate freedom this month, it’s essential that we continue to commemorate the history making achievements of Dr. King and his pursuit for freedom for all Americans, regardless of their skin color,” Giannoulias said. “His relentless efforts to build a fairer society and his life-long devotion to civil rights make him one of the world’s most influential individuals.”

Crews have already poured the concrete that will serve as a secure base for the sculpture. Illinois-based Sculpture Resource restored the statue, and it will sport a refinished bronze surface with fortified attachment points and a new bronze base.

Giannoulias said state officials are continuing discussions regarding a new MLK statue on the Capitol Complex grounds to further honor his legacy and contributions. In January 2023, Illinois lawmakers approved legislation calling for a new MLK sculpture at a new location that has yet to be determined.

Once the General Assembly and the Office of the Architect move forward with the new statue, Giannoulias said he “will work closely to ensure a location is found that is appropriate for the deference Dr. King deserves.”