News Release August 13, 2008
For more information:
Ben Beau mont, Clinton School of Public Service, 501-683-5238, or
Jordan Johnson, William J. Clinton Foundation, 501-975-8332
Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" Speech to Be Commemorated at Clinton Presidential Center
LITTLE ROCK – The 45th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have A Dream" speech will be commemorated with a day of festivities at the William J. Clinton=2 0Pre sidential Center in L ittle Rock on Thursday, August 28. King delivered the famous speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in conjunction with the 1963 March on Washington.=2 0
Former President Clinton has called King's speech "the greatest political speech of my lifetime" and "the clearest clarion call to a more perfect union."
Sponsored by The College of Aspiring Artists (TCAA) of North Little Rock, the William J. Clinton Foundation and the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service, the commemoration will feature films and entertainment. Special guests will be Gracie Carter of Little Rock who participated in the 1963 march and Joshua and Andrew Withers, sons of the late Ernest Withers of Memphis, a noted civil rights photographer. Withers’ photographs were instrumental in the documentation and establishment of the Little Rock Central High Museum and Visitor Center which led to the Little Rock Central High National Historic Site. Some of Withers’ photographs and prints will be on display during the commemoration.
"We're very pleased that TCAA and the Clinton School have joined with us to host this event at the Clinton Center," said Lena Moore, deputy director of the Clinton Foundation. "We invite everyone to come and help us commemorate this historic event."
Admission to the King events will be free for the general public; however, regular tickets must be purchased to tour the rest of the Clinton Center Library.
Activities will begin at 9:30 a.m., featuring video excerpts of King's speeches, portions of a documentary about Congressman and civil rights activist John Lewis and a special program by KATV-Channel 7 entitled "Dr. Martin Luther King in Arkansas." Reservations for these films are not required.
A "Tribute to the March on Washington: An Entertainment Celebration" will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and again from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Both performances will include remarks by Carter and a salute to Withers as well as local and national entertainment. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 501-748-0419 or emailing vvservices@clintonfoundation.org.
Additionally, segments of the film "Eyes on the Prize" will be shown from 2:45 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Reservations are not required.
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"In addition to Clinton School students, we hope that students of all ages will join us for one of the two entertainment celebrations," said Rev. Arthur L. Hunt Jr., of TCAA. "This is a very historic day where we want to reflect the past, inspect the present and project the future."
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It happens once, it’s happening now! Researchers, developers and documentarians are vividly notating the significance of the last 40 years. As it relates to capturing it in the uniqueness found in a documentary film focusing on stimulating and maximizing Arkansas’ creative economy, we got there first. April 4th 2008 marked the 40th Anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Major networks, publications recognized this mile marker and Arkansas joined six other cities in holding major tributes across the nation. This event marked the first day of production for our national documentary film, THE TRIBUTE, recorded at the Little Rock River Market.
The project has a strong focus on national progress since 1968. 1968 contained many life-changing, nation-changing, and world-changing moments, hopes, prophecies, and milestones that are most noteworthy which we must examine and update.
Key Points of Observation
1. Documentary filming moving well. Great momentum and increasing attention to our subject matter was added by the CNN Specials on June 6th, Something’s Happening Here and the recent Black in America series. Our lead consultant is Emmy Award Winner, Ms. Robin Smith. For more on Ms. Smith go to: www.videoaction.org
2. Peabody Park officially opened on June 26th as a primary venue for children and family events.
a. This is an official site for taping the documentary. We are lining up artists, both performing and visual to prepare for participation at these events.
Production Series Overview
Please note the following events and major productions and are being be taped for THE TRIBUTE Documentary Film.
1. FAMILYTIME; August 16th – October 11th Peabody Park
From the ACEM and producers of THE TRIBUTE Documentary Film comes, FAMILYTIME. For six weeks beginning this August through October on Saturdays from 9am-11am FAMILYTIME will be the place for summer creativity and fun for the entire family. It will serve as our networking hub of activity. The ACEM featuring the great talents from the Arkansas Arts Council, schools, families and musical talents will feature performing and visual artists along with other local and national artists putting forth their creative talents while being screened for the documentary film.
Special Feature: Little Rock Parks and Recreations Television Series hosted by Parks and Recreations Director, Truman Tolefree following the FAMILYTIME Event.
AUGUST 28TH 2008
2. The Tribute to the “March on Washington” Famous I Have A Dream August 28th 1963 King Address- Clinton Presidential Center 9am-5pm
· Speeches from Dr. King, Congressman John Lewis and others.
· Films including Eyes on the Prize will be shown in tribute of the Dream.
· Two Entertainment Celebrations with a Special Exhibition Salute to renown photojournalist, Dr. Ernest Withers; 11am-12noon and 12:30-1:30. Reservations required.
3. “Hear the Prophecy….See The Promise” Central High School 7:30pm-9:30pm; spotlights the historic August 28th Martin Luther King’s, I Have A Dream Speech and the final King Speech, I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” fused with entertainment from multiple genres. We are projecting 1000 plus persons to attend these events. Clear Channel’s Corporate Radio Stations are presenting a culmination of their August 1st through 28th Radiothon in support of raising .revenues for the King Memorial. Their goal is to raise 3.5 million dollars. This American and International History being pronounced from Arkansas. This is history beyond politics. A special feature will capture media highlights from across the nation as to what’s happening on the national scene.
4. Major Collaboration with Clear Channel Radio Corporate Campaign, Hallelujah 94.9 FM
As it pertains to Clear Channels initiative with the Build the Dream Memorial, two networks (TCAA and Clear Channel) will combine to elicit the most concentrated joint venture campaign. The 40th Anniversary Salute the King Assassination which was presented on April 4th was a tremendous beginning and the following is certainly a strengthening of the effort. See next page for extended partnership.
THE TRIBUTE Documentary Film will be on location taping this event. We invite pastors, community leaders and others to join us in this celebration. For ministers and businesses who want to give a special salute, contact The Tribute Documentary Film producers at 501.744.4655
