"Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?”
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
By Kelli Nesbitt, Parks & Recreation Marketing Coordinator
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., was a true example of a public servant who helped guide the nation to achieve his dream of becoming a better place. In honor of his lifelong dedication to justice, equality, and service for the greater good, the Lincoln Recreation Center presents the annual Dream Works Conference on Saturday from 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m. This year’s theme is “Be Transformed by the Renewing of your Mind -- Rebuild and Restore!”
Admission is free, and lunch is $5 per plate. The first 50 registrants will receive a free conference shirt.
The conference kicks off with the Keeping the Dream Alive Award Luncheon to celebrate and honor community members who have spent countless hours serving others. The afternoon schedule is filled with breakout sessions featuring engaging and powerful presentations that focus on character, leadership and personal development.
The conference concludes with an evening of praise and worship led by the Brazos Valley Community Choir. Anyone at least 10 years old is invited to rehearse with the choir Thursday from 6-8 p.m. at the Lincoln Recreation Center. Under the direction of Mr. Matthew Douglass, participants will learn songs the choir will perform. The cost is $5 per person.
Saturday’s Schedule
Registration: 10:30-11 a.m.
Keeping the Dream Alive Awards Luncheon: 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
The $5 meal ticket includes brisket, loaded potatoes, and ranch beans with all the trimmings catered by Justin Payton of Always Cravin’ Pit BBQ. The luncheon is sponsored by J. White & Associates.
Terrance D. Grant-Malone, pastor of Houston’s Historic St. John Missionary Baptist Church, will be the keynote speaker. Grant-Malone is an articulate orator known for his intellect and high-spirited, powerful preaching. Honorees are LaVerne Young Hawkins, the College Station Police Department’s Community Enhancement Unit, Larreishia McCorr, and Judy LeUnes.
Breakout Session I -- Rebuild and Restore: 1:45-2:45 p.m.
- Renew and Recharge for Adults: The mind and body are not separate. What affects one affects the other. Fall in love with taking care of yourself. Learn how to take care of your thoughts when you’re alone, and take care of your words when you’re with people. Session conducted by Dominique Williams, a health doctoral candidate at Texas A&M.
- Transformation for Adults: Transformation is not to be confused with change. Session conducted by Life Coach Cory J. Ford and George White, Jr., of J. White & Associates.
- Conform or Transform for Teens: Are your friends trying to pull you in one direction, but your heart and mind are telling you to go in a different direction? Learn steps to renew your mind and battle negative forces. Session conducted by Minister Donnie Nelson, Jr.
Breakout Session II -- Civic Responsibilities: 3-4 p.m.
- Learn to Give for Adults: The session defines civic responsibility and how citizens can give back in the Brazos Valley. Session conducted by Constable Isaac Butler.
- Learn to Give NOW for Teens: You are never too young to start learning how to serve NOW. Learn how to give back to your community. Session conducted by Emajie Clements of Texas A&M.
Conversation Matters – Town Hall Discussion: 4:15-5:30 p.m.
Conference attendees converse and address social concerns with a panel of guests.
Praise and Worship: 6-8:30 p.m.
Celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. King through songs, dance and the spoken word with performances by the Brazos Valley Community Choir, Expression of Praise, Ny’gel Starling, JC Cooper and Friends, Steven Johnson, and Spoken Word.
We’ve dreamed of a better community. It’s time to wake up and find solutions. As Dr. King said, “The time is always right to do the right thing.”
For more information and to register, visit cstx.gov/DreamWorks or call 979.764.3779.
Kelli Nesbitt (@kneztalk) has worked for the Parks & Recreation Department for 14 years, the last seven as marketing coordinator. A native of Bryan, Kelli earned a bachelor’s degree in health & kinesiology from Sam Houston State.
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