West Texas A&M University’s Distinguished Lecture Series, in coordination with the Black Student Union, will present a reenactment of the March on Washington: “I Have A Dream” at 12:15 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 22 at the Vaughan Pedestrian Mall.
The reenactment of the famous speech by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., will be performed by Julian Reese, former quarterback of the championship Amarillo Duster’s 2004 team and current head coach of the Amarillo Venom. Campus to Community will offer buffalo cookies and hot chocolate to attendees.
Reese’s rendition of the famous “I Have A Dream” speech is a reenactment of the historically recognized speech performed by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the March on Washington in August of 1963. This speech advocated for civil and economic rights, as well as calling for an end to racism in the United States. The speech has had a hand in many civil rights advocacy platforms, as well as being one of the reasons that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was one of the youngest ever to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.
Reese was born in 1981, the seventh of 13 children. Growing up in a home filled with family, strong faith, an emphasis on education and a love for sports, Reese decided that his interest lie in both his academic life and his athletic abilities. He earned academic scholarships to attended Iowa Central Community College, where he received an associate degree and was a standout quarterback for two years. Reese transferred to Indiana State University, where he received his bachelor’s degree in recreation and sports management. With a 3.5 college GPA, he was selected to be part of such groups as the Omicron Delta Kappa National Honors Society and Athletic Director Leadership Board at Indiana State.
As a faithful member of the New Covenant Baptist Church in Amarillo, he is a youth leader and Brotherhood choir director. As a public speaker that aims to inspire his audience, he co-founded The Urban Project, designed to mentor young men ages 12-18.
-West Texas A&M University
