Mission

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Realizing the Dream Committee exists to raise consciousness about injustice and promote human equality, peace, and social justice by creating educational and cultural opportunities for growth, empowerment, and social change so that every person may experience the bounty of life’s abundant possibilities. 

History

In 1990, The University of Alabama joined with Stillman College to present the first “Realizing the Dream” concert, which featured the eminent actor James Earl Jones narrating Aaron Copeland’s A Lincoln Portrait. Since that auspicious beginning, the concert has brought such luminaries as Sidney Poitier, Harry Belafonte, Julian Bond, Cicely Tyson, and Della Reese among others to the stage of the Moody Concert Hall to join the Tuscaloosa community in celebrating the shared goals and aspirations personified by the work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Also, the single concert has grown to include activities year round, including a distinguished lecture series and a performing arts event, and Stillman and UA welcomed Shelton State Community College as a partner in planning and implementing these activities.

Funded in part by an endowment from the Fiesta Bowl – which also funds minority scholarships at The University of Alabama – the “Realizing the Dream” concert changes every year, bringing together different parts of the community in ways that are fresh and rewarding, from in-school programs to school children’s drawings displayed in the lobby, from the blended voices of the college and youth choirs to the joined hands of the audience. The regional and national coverage of the concert shines the spotlight on a night of unity that inspires us to make tomorrow better.

20th Year Anniversary

In 2009, Realizing the Dream will celebrate its 20th year and plans are underway for the biggest and best year yet. Events will be announced mid-2008.