When you reflect on some of the most impactful speeches in history, many point to Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous “I Have a Dream.” His words of resilience and hope continue to inspire millions of people today.
Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC) celebrated Dr. King’s message and enduring influence with its second annual MLK Day keynote address. This year’s speaker, actress, producer, host and humanitarian Monique Coleman, held the attention of a packed audience of several hundred students, faculty, staff and community members.
“I’ve never seen Dr. King as someone to simply quote or admire from a distance. I’ve always understood his work as a blueprint for how to live and advocate for humanity in real, practical ways,” she said. “When I traveled the world as the first-ever United Nations Youth Champion, his words guided me, especially the idea that ‘everyone can be great, because everyone can serve.’ Across cultures and communities, I saw how service rooted in dignity and compassion creates meaningful change. Dr. King’s legacy isn’t something we honor once a year. It’s something we practice every day.”
The event opened with a unity step presentation by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., performed as a tribute to Dr. King.
The audience then listened to a living-room style conversation between Coleman and GGC student Avanti Moore, a health science major and Buford resident. Moore asked Coleman what she hoped the campus community would carry forward from this day.
“I encourage the GGC community to find one way, large or small, to live out his message. That might look like serving your community, standing up for someone who feels unseen, or questioning systems that no longer serve us,” she said. “You don’t have to be perfect to make a difference. Dr. King asked us to be brave, consistent, and compassionate, and to remember that meaningful change is built through everyday choices.”
For GGC student Phillip Rivera, a senior majoring in cinema and media arts production, it was a chance to hear from and meet someone he’s admired.
“This is my first time attending and I was curious about what she would say,” he said. “Martin Luther King Jr. made such an impact on civil rights and a cultural impact.”
The event hit home for Shayna Bolen, a sophomore majoring in education.
“The ‘I Have a Dream’ speech has a special place in my heart. It’s okay for me to be myself,” she said. “I like gaining new knowledge, learning new things and hearing different viewpoints.”
For Chian Dorsey, a senior majoring in psychology, this wasn’t her first time attending.
“I came last year and it was inspiring,” she said. “I wanted to see Monique (Coleman). I liked how she talked about advocacy and also your mental health.”
For JP Peters, assistant director for student outreach and service, the day’s mission was accomplished.
“Monique’s message not only honored Dr. King’s call to service, but she also inspired the GGC community to continue showing up, lead with empathy and turn hope into action,” he said.