In observance of Black History Month, the Central Lakes College Diversity Leadership Council on Tuesday, Feb. 7 will host a free, public presentation, “The Dream Alive,” as a tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement.

The 90-minute presentation starts at 10 a.m. in the Brainerd campus gymnasium.

Joe Rogers, who served as the youngest lieutenant governor in the United States during his time in Colorado, presents the moving remembrance.

“ The Dream Alive” is an acclaimed, positive and uplifting dedication that has been presented at colleges, corporations and conferences throughout the country.

The commentary will take audience members back in time to the renowned 1963 March on Washington where King delivered his “ I Have A Dream” speech— to his final words delivered in 1968 in Memphis, Tenn.

The program has been described as “ uncanny, electrifying, spellbinding, awesome, touching like King was in the room.”

Rogers will speak to the relevance of Dr. King’s message to contemporary life -- and the relevance of the message to all people, not just African Americans.

Rogers represents a new generation of American leadership. During his term, which ended in 2003, he served on the executive committee of the National Conference of Lieutenant Governors.

Now a practicing attorney in Colorado, Rogers served on the seven-member blue ribbon National Commission on the Voting Rights Act.

He has been recognized for his work and commitment to strengthen America. He has been profiled by The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Washington Times and Business Week, Ebony, Jet and Teacher magazines. Ebony called him a “political trailblazer.” And The New York Times wrote he is a “young, articulate, energetic and well- prepared newcomer.”

Rogers helped lead efforts to improve the lives of Colorado’s children and the quality of Colorado schools.

Expanding on his commitment to strengthening America, Rogers created the acclaimed Dream Alive Program in dedication to the memory and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. and the leaders of the Civil Rights Movement. The program’s work is to increase the understanding of the contributions that Dr. King and movement leaders imparted to the nation and is a passionate reminder that their wisdom and vision are timeless.

Rogers worked his way through Colorado State University majoring in Business Administration, and he received his law degree from Arizona State University.

The Central Lakes College Diversity Leadership Council has invited college and high school students, faculty, staff, members of the Center for Lifelong Learning and the greater community to come to the Brainerd campus for a remarkable morning in dedication to keeping the dream alive.