The Lincoln Memorial has played a significant role in Black history as it has been the site of numerous important events and speeches that have impacted the civil rights movement in the United States. One of the most famous events took place on August 28, 1963, when Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. Standing in front of the Lincoln Memorial, Dr. King addressed a crowd of over 250,000 people and called for an end to racism and for civil and economic rights for African Americans.

The symbolism of Dr. King's speech at the Lincoln Memorial was powerful, as he referenced Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation and the promise of freedom and equality for all Americans. The juxtaposition of Dr. King's words against the backdrop of the memorial dedicated to the president who issued the Emancipation Proclamation added another layer of significance to the event.

Since then, the Lincoln Memorial has continued to be a gathering place for civil rights activists and organizations, hosting events such as the We Are One concert in 2009 to celebrate the inauguration of President Barack Obama, the first African American president of the United States. The memorial serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for racial equality and justice in America and continues to be a site of reflection and inspiration for those fighting for civil rights.