31 Jan 2023 A dedication to unity

A new addition to Martin Luther King Jr. Square is a shining centerpiece to the park in downtown Conway. Titled “Unity,” the City of Conway installed the metal sculpture on Jan. 16.

The City placed the piece to honor King’s life and legacy. “Unity” was created and designed by Hunter Brown with Innovative Sculpture Design, based in Little Rock. It reaches toward the sky and is lit at night to enhance its beauty.

In July 2022, MLK Square was promoted as the newest site for a sustainable low-impact development park that provides community green space on a reclaimed brownfield site. “By replacing pipes and concrete with living biological systems, parks like MLK Square set an example of how we can use soft engineering to better manage polluted stormwater runoff,” the city wrote.

MLK Square highlights the historic contributions of the African-American community in Conway. Through large granite pavers woven into the park walkway, MLK Square tells the stories of people who made an impact on the local, state and national levels. Additionally, a meaningful quote from the civil rights leader is embedded in the sidewalk leading to the art piece. It reads, “If you can’t fly, then run. If you can’t run, then walk. If you can’t walk then crawl, but by all means keep moving.”