“Living the Dream – Let Freedom Ring"
Our History
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.
Our History
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.
FORMER BANQUET & STOP THE VIOLENCE SPEAKERS
James Reynolds (Commander Abe Carver) Star of ADays 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