Living the Dream Topeka
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Our History

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          Living the Dream, Inc., was chartered as a not-for-profit community based organization in 1985 by Robert Bugg to serve as a multi-cultural citizen’s group to help preserve the legacy and example to the late

Dr. Martin Luther, King, Jr., and to plan appropriate ceremonies and programs in conjunction with the legal King Holiday enacted by the Congress of the United States.

The goals of Living the Dream, Inc., are to enhance Dr. King’s philosophy of nonviolence throughout the year, to recognize and teach human understanding, and to promote academic excellence.  Toward these goals, Living the Dream, Inc., provides scholarships to students that meet scholastic requirements set forth by the Living the Dream Board.

          Annually, in honor of Dr. King, Living the Dream, Inc., recognizes individuals, organizations, and corporations for their outstanding contributions to the Topeka and Shawnee County community.  Emphasis is placed on acknowledging those who often go unnoticed.

          Since 1985, the Board has sponsored an annual black-tie gala in honor of Dr. King.  In 1988, the first Celebrity Fashion Show was held.

The year of 2002 was a breakthrough for the Topeka community and the Living the Dream, Inc.’s Board.  Thirty corporations, businesses, schools, and organizations joined forces and the Living the Dream Business Partners Board was formed.  The two boards have worked together in conjunction and now a nine-day celebration is held in the name of  Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.   In 2007 the Living the Dream Foundation was established.

Past Living the Dream Banquet and Stop the Violence Speakers




James Reynolds (Commander Abe Carver) Star of Days of Our Lives

Joan Finney  Kansas State Treasurer & Governor of Kansas

Michael Barbara Professor of Law, Washburn University

Dr. Marvin Edwards Superintendent, District 501 Schools

Rev. Averill Royal, Pastor, Antioch Missionary Baptist Church

Patricia Russell McCloud, J.D.

Elizabeth Van Dyke  National Black Touring Circuit, Inc. AZora Neale Hurston@

Gordon Parks  Narrated Martin Ballet

Charles Sadler, Director of International Programs for the Martin Luther King, Jr.     Federal Holiday Commission, Washington, D.C.

James Reynolds Great Arts! Great Words!

Yolanda King --  Debut of Tracks

ARISE --  (Afro-Americans Renewing Interest in Spirituals Ensemble)

Dr. Warren H. Stewart, Sr.

Judge Greg Mathis

MeasureXMeasure

Pastor Charles Martin, II

George Curry

Dr. Julia Hare

John Gray, National and International Trainer/Educator in the area of diversity

Rev. Emmanuel Cleaver, St. James Paseo United Methdist Church

Pedro Irigonegaray

Dr. Betty Horton

Dr. Gilbert Parks

Original King Kids of America B Madame Charmion Johnson Polk, Director

Donovan R. Wheatfall

Sons of Glory

The Honorable Delano E. Lewis, Former Ambassador to South Africa

The McFadden Brothers

Senor Chocolate

Mad Dog

Cee Cee Michaela

Lynette Woodard, Gold Medal and first female Harlem Globetrotter

Barrett Hatches, President, Swope Health Services

Willie Jolley, Premiere Celebrity Speaker, Singer, Author & Media Personality

Joe Rogers - Former Lt. Governor of Colorado

Ed Hearn, Toastmaster’s 2006 International World Champion of Public Speaking

Joe Rogers, Colorado’s Former Lt. Governor

Jimmy Cabrera, Motivational Speaker, What's In Your Backpack ...

Willie Jolley, Premiere Celebrity Speaker, Singer, Author & Media Personality

Byron Embry, The Man with the Closing Remarks      

Deric Gilliard


Rev. Samuel "Billy" Kyles - "The Witness"

Dr. Clayborne Carson

Ms. Sheyenne Webb - "The Youngest
Freedom Fighter"

Mr. Benjamin Chavis

Dr, Bernard Lafayette, Jr.

Mr. Terrance Roberts


​Ms. Joanne Bland





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