In American history, few leaders have been as influential in the fight for social justice as the Reverend Washington Gladden. From 1882 to 1918, Gladden was pastor of Columbus, Ohio’s First Congregational Church, a longtime and current leader in issues of fairness and equality. Fittingly, in 2018, the centennial of Gladden’s death, the Columbus community joined with the church to build the nation’s first public park dedicated to social justice. Located beside the church, downtown on E. Broad Street, the park – with exhibits and programming – has become a beautiful and active oasis of reflection and hope that myriad social justice goals will be achieved.

Visit the park and see the current mural exhibit that introduces you to Social Justice Legends. Walk along the Pathway of Justice to read inspiring quotes of social justice leaders from near and far. See the award-winning sculpture – Our Single Garment of Destiny that is based upon a Martin Luther King, Jr. quote from his Letter from Birmingham Jail. Because of its unique design, it becomes nearly invisible when viewed at a specific angle representing those with special needs who have become invisible to society.