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.
Past Living the Dream Banquet and Stop the Violence Speakers |
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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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