Scaled-Down MLK Dedication Is Still Star-Studded

Thursday, Oct 13, 2011 | Updated 1:18 PM EDT

Remembering Martin Luther King Jr.'s Dream

Getty Images

At 30 feet tall, the sculpture at the new Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial opened to the public Aug. 22, but the dedication ceremony had to be rescheduled due to Hurricane Irene.

Photos and Videos

LOOK

PHOTOS
MLK Memorial
Opens to Public

LOOK

PHOTOS
Remembering Martin
Luther King Jr.'s Dream

More Photos and Videos

President Barack Obama, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Dan Rather and poet Nikki Giovanni are among the participants expected this weekend at the rescheduled dedication of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial.

Despite the fact that the rescheduling led to what organizers are calling a "scaled-back" ceremony, the lengthy list of speakers includes civil rights leaders, entertainers,members of the King family, D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray and PBS' Gwen Ifill as master of ceremonies.

The event will begin with a "Morning Joy" program from 8 to 9 a.m., emceed by Roland Martin. President Obama will deliver an address.

The ceremonial dedication will begin at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 16 in the forecourt of the memorial. Participants will include Aretha Franklin; Herman "Skip" Mason, general president of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity; and President Barack Obama.

The dedication is free and open to the public; planners are bracing for big crowds by airing the 11 a.m. portion of the program on jumbotrons in West Potomac Park.

Gates will open at 6 a.m. Members of the public can access West Potomac Park through four gates on Independence Avenue S.W.

See the complete list of notable guests below.

Morning Joy Participants: