Charge: The Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) wanted to commemorate the 50-year anniversary of the organization by honoring individuals whose life works include honoring the legacy of Dr. King. The organization’s vision included a day of engagement that included high school and college students’ discussions and panels on how they can create movements to uplift their communities. SCLC also wanted a way to thank their sponsors and supporters and honor Alabama natives who are creating change locally, regionally, nationally, and globally.
Solution: LRY produced The Keeper of The Dream Symposium and Gala allowing SCLC to connect with area students during the day and honor individuals who have continued Dr. King’s legacy that evening. The first half of the day featured a town hall at the historic Sixth Avenue Baptist Church featuring a series of panel discussions led by the city’s top activists, educators and community leaders. Topics of panel discussions ranged from Social Justice to Innovation to honoring The Foot Soldiers.
The second portion of the day featured a gala honoring Alabama natives whose contributions to society created life-changing results. The gala honored Apple CEO Tim Cook will accept the SCLC’s Human Rights Award. Other honorees include DeJuana Thompson, creator of Woke Vote; Isabel Rubio, president of the Hispanic Interest Coalition of Alabama; and Robert Dickerson Jr., executive director of Birmingham Business Resource Center.
Results: Over 1200 college and high school students attended The Keeper of the Dream Symposium where Apple’s CEO Tim Cook was the keynote panelist. The Keeper of the Dream Gala had over 1000 corporate and community leaders attend. “The two events organized by LRYwere by far the most moving memorial to King. This group provided a meaningful opportunity for students and our city’s leaders to reflect on the significance of Dr. King and how he shaped history. We are so thankful for the expertise of LRY and the way they allowed SCLC to shine,” said Bishop Calvin Wood, Sr., SCLC of Alabama President.
