Since 1968, the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity had been working toward erecting a memorial to Martin Luther King, Jr., in Washington, DC.  Authorized by Congress in 1996 and constructed in 2003 in West Potomac Park, The Stone of Hope is composed of 159 granite blocks on four acres. It depicts MLK Jr emerging from a “mountain of despair.”   Originally it bore an inscription that abridged his statement “If you want to say that I was a drum major, say that I was a drum major for justice.  Say that I was a drum major for peace; I was a drum major for righteousness.”  After the reveal, several people including Maya Angelou denounced the paraphrasing because it changed the meaning of his statement. Ultimately, the original artist, Master Lei Yixin, returned to remove the quote and blend it into the surrounding stone.

WEI was contracted by the National Parks Service in 2013 to assist Master Lei and team with the repair project on the memorial.  WEI, in coordination with the NPS and State Department, obtained Special Visit Visas for Master Lei and his team to complete the removal of the inscription.  WEI worked closely with the artist to provide logistical support and a worksite that facilitated the work of the sculptors and complied with DC and federal safety and environmental requirements.  Once the work was approved by all parties, WEI dismantled and thoroughly cleaned the worksite.