Special to IFN
Mitchell Community College recently hosted its annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, bringing together students, employees, and community members under the theme “The Dream Still Walks With Us.”
The celebration highlighted the enduring legacy of King through music, spoken word, student‑led reflections, and the presentation of the 2026 Martin Luther King Jr. Dream Achiever Awards for exemplary leadership, service, and commitment to community uplift.
The program featured artistic and inspirational contributions from students, faculty, and guest speaker Chief Magistrate Reba Parker Imes.
Tim Brewer, president of Mitchell Community College, opened the ceremony with heartfelt remarks emphasizing the college’s commitment to equity, access, and community service.
“Dr. King believed deeply in the power of education. Not simply to prepare people for jobs but to open minds, expand opportunities and strengthen communities, and that is the same belief that is at the heart of Mitchell’s mission,” Brewer shared, as he highlighted the resilience and determination of Mitchell students.
“At Mitchell, this vision is reflected in our students every day. Students who are the first in their families to attend college. Students balancing work, family, and classes. And students who see education as a pathway to service and leadership to better the future of their communities. Their determination and hope are living examples of the beloved community that Dr. King envisioned.”
Brewer also encouraged attendees to recognize their individual roles in continuing King’s work:
“Today is not only a time to reflect on our history but to reflect on our own roles as students, educators, community leaders, and members — and continuing this work with courage, respect, and purpose,” he said.
This year’s ceremony was led by student participants. Student Bryon Allen‑Homes offered the invocation, calling for a renewed commitment to seeing one another not through differences but through our shared humanity.
The program featured powerful artistic tributes, including:
• A reading of Dr. King’s historic “I Have a Dream” speech by Facilities Technician Roy Davidson;
• Musical selections performed by Malachi Daniels, Sha’kayla Lewis, DeAsia Truesdale, and Owen Brown; and
• A moving reading by student Tessania Grant of the anonymous poem “The Dream Still Walks Within Us,” reflecting themes of enduring hope, shared dreams, and resilience
These performances honored the spirit of hope and perseverance woven throughout King’s teachings.
Keynote Address
Student M’Kiyah McClure introduced the keynote speaker, Magistrate Reba Imes, a Mitchell alumnus and longtime public servant with more than 30 years of service to the State of North Carolina. Imes’ keynote focused on justice, compassion, and the power of everyday leadership shaped by her judicial career and personal journey as a breast cancer survivor.
“Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is often remembered for what he said, but more importantly we need to remember him for what he asked us to do,” she began.
After reflecting on several of King’s most influential messages, she continued:
“But today I want to talk about one voice, one dream, and one community that captures the heart of that challenge. Dr. King’s dream was never meant to keep everyone asleep. Dr. King’s dream was meant to wake us up — to responsibility, to urgency, and to one another. Dreaming is about imagining what can be. Waking up is about deciding what you will do to help make it real.”
2026 MLK Dream Achiever Award Recipients
During the ceremony, Vermel Moore, Mentoring Programs and Projects specialist, presented the Martin Luther King Jr. Dream Achiever Award, recognizing students who exemplify Dr. King’s ideals through leadership, service, and commitment to strengthening their communities. This year’s recipients are John Turner and Bilal Rasul.
A student in the Paramedic‑to‑ADN program who will graduate in May, Turner maintains an excellent academic record while working 36 to 40 hours per week in the emergency room. His dedication extends beyond healthcare through leadership and mentorship in community youth basketball programs. His commitment to service, integrity, and youth development reflects King’s belief in meaningful action and service to others.
A Healthcare Management Technology student graduating in Fall 2026, Rasul was recognized for his perseverance, academic excellence, and deep commitment to service. Beyond the classroom, he mentors individuals in prison‑based education and re‑entry programs, offering support rooted in compassion, accountability, and hope. His work embodies King’s belief in education and leadership as tools for transformation.
In closing, Beverly Brown, chair of the Music Department and director of Equity and Inclusion, offered remarks, highlighting the importance of continuing King’s legacy through civic engagement, education, unity, and purposeful action.
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