Yesterday, I had the privilege of bringing a one of a kind Martin Luther King Jr. experience to 550 ninth grade students, an immersive full-school assembly where we explored Dr. King’s Blueprint Speech from 1967.
What’s Your Life’s Blueprint?
Speaking to a group of junior high students in Philadelphia, Dr. King challenged them to build a foundation for their lives based on three key principles:
- Belief in Your Own Dignity & Worth – No matter your background, you have intrinsic value.
- Determination to Achieve Excellence – Whatever you do, do it so well that history remembers your name.
- Commitment to a Higher Moral Standard – Success isn’t just about personal gain, it’s about serving and uplifting others.
These themes resonated powerfully as I brought Dr. King’s words to life through three of his historic speeches, seamlessly woven into two compelling vignettes from One Voice’s library:
The Cellmate – Inspired by Grady Butler, who was jailed alongside Dr. King during the civil rights movement. His story underscores the cost of standing up for justice and the unbreakable resolve of those who fought for freedom, even behind bars.
The Carolinian – A tribute to Wilfred J. Walker Jr., a trailblazing leader in education and economic empowerment. His life’s work reflects Dr. King’s dream of not just fighting oppression but also building a future where Black excellence thrives in business, education, and leadership.
One of the most profound moments in Dr. King’s speech was his reference to this powerful verse:
“Fleecy locks and black complexion
Cannot forfeit nature’s claim;
Skin may differ, but affection
Dwells in black and white the same.”
This performance wasn’t just a lesson in history, it was a call to action for every student in that room. The fight for justice didn’t end with Dr. King, it continues in every choice we make, in the way we see ourselves, and in how we lift others along the way.
So, I ask again: What’s in your blueprint?
Want to bring One Voice: A Black History Narrative to your school, organization, or event? Let’s make history come alive. Book now at OneVoiceShow.com.
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