Monday, the Friends of MLK broke ground for a small park in downtown Davenport.
Friends CEO Ryan Saddler says "this journey" began in 2014 when city leaders wanted a way to commemorate King's legacy. Saddler says the location was chosen because of its importance to Black history in the city.
"They put their hands together to build this city. There's so many homes if we go east of this location that were built by African American individuals. And then on this very ground we stand on, right here at Fifth and Brady we have the first Black business. A gentleman by the name of Lindsey Pitts started the first Black business here in Davenport."
The park will feature a number of history display panels.
"They will tell the stories, that, some you may know. The story of Dred Scott, the story of John Brown traveling on these tracks"
The MLK Park will cost $1.2 million and should be completed in the fall.