Civil rights Activist Presents The Dream Alive Program, Honoring Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Joe Rogers will present the program at University of Portland on Wednesday, January 21st.

Former Colorado Governor Joe Rogers Courtesy: d.umn.edu

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Former Colorado Lieutenant Governor Joe Rogers will present his Dream Alive Program in remembrance of civil rights leader Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Wednesday, Jan. 21 at 7:00 PM in the Chapel of Christ the Teacher on the University of Portland campus, 5000 N. Willamette Blvd. The Dream Alive Program is an acclaimed, positive and uplifting dedication to the legacy and memory of Rev. King and leaders of the civil rights movement.

This live commentary will take audience members back in time to the renowned 1963 March on Washington where King delivered his "I Have A Dream" speech, as well as his final words delivered in 1968 in Memphis, Tennessee.

Rogers' presentation has been described as "uncanny, electrifying, spellbinding, awesome, and touching—like King was in the room."

Rogers completed his term as Colorado Lt. Governor in 2003, a post that distinguished him as America's youngest such politician and only the fourth African American in U.S. history to ever hold the position.

He served on the executive committee of the National Conference of Lieutenant Governors, led efforts to improve the lives of Colorado's children and the quality of Colorado's schools, worked extensively to enhance job and economic opportunities within the state, and, following the September 11 terrorist attacks, was one of the first state officials at Ground Zero and the first to call for Colorado to create its own Homeland Security Office.

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

He has been recognized for his work and commitment to civil rights, having received the Trumpet Award from Turner Broadcasting in recognition of African American achievement by those who have made significant contributions to enhance the quality of life for all Americans.

Other Trumpet Award recipients include Muhammad Ali, Thurgood Marshall, Rosa Parks, Tiger Woods, Colin Powell, Nat King Cole and Sidney Poitier.

Rogers earned a baccalaureate degree in business administration from Colorado State University and a law degree from Arizona State University. While at ASU, he won the law school's first ever national championship by winning the American Bar Association Negotiation Competition.

He subsequently practiced law with one of Colorado's oldest and largest firms, Davis, Graham & Stubbs, and served as Counsel to former U.S. Senator Hank Brown. Last Spring, Rogers published his first book, The Letter to My Son, a manuscript of wisdom and inspiration for a life well-lived.

Rogers created the Dream Alive Program to increase the understanding of the contributions that Rev. King and movement leaders imparted on the nation, and as a passionate reminder that their wisdom and vision are timeless.

The event is presented by the Multicultural Programs division of the University's Office of Student Activities. A reception will take place immediately following the 90-minute program. For more information, contact Bethany Sills at (503) 943-7470 or sills@up.edu