A new memorial to US civil rights leader Martin Luther King has unveiled a memorial to honor his contributions to the civil rights movement.

Until the 1960s, Black and white Americans were kept separate in public places - including schools and hotels.

But now, people of all races and religions will be able to come and celebrate Dr King's legacy at America's National Mall -- the preserve of memorials to former Presidents and war heroes -- which now welcomes a towering man of peace.

Al Jazeera's John Terret reports from Washington.