There is an African tradition of lifting a newborn towards the heavens in thanks to God for the gift of life. The ritual is usually accompanied by the father speaking these words, “Behold the only thing greater than yourself.” Coretta Scott King commissioned sculptor Patrick Morelli to capture this moment in bronze as a tribute to her husband. In 1990, the Behold Monument was erected within the King Historic Site. In the background is the Horizon Sanctuary, the new Ebenezer Baptist Church built in 1999. It is located across Auburn Avenue from where MLK served as pastor.
