Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthplace becomes national historic park

President Trump on Monday signed a measure redesignating Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthplace as a National Historical Park. 

The president signed the measure, introduced by Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.), another icon of the civil rights movement, aboard Air Force One after arriving in Marietta, Ga., to attend the College Football Playoff national championship game.

King’s niece, Alveda King, joined Trump for the private signing ceremony. 

{mosads}

“Through his life and work, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. made America more just and free,” White House deputy press secretary Hogan Gidley told reporters aboard Air Force One.

“This important historical park tells his story, and this bill will help ensure that the park continues to tell Dr. King’s story for generations to come,” he added. 

King’s birthplace was already considered a National Historic Site. The bill signed by Trump on Monday upgrades its status to a National Historical Park, and also expands the boundaries to include the Prince Hall Masonic Temple, the headquarters of the civil rights organization co-founded by King.

King is perhaps the most recognizable leader of the civil rights movement. He was assassinated in Memphis, Tenn., in 1968.