Digital Storytelling To Share The Dream

The convenience of technology is being paired with the power of Dr. King’s “I Have A Dream” speech delivered 52 years ago during the March On Washington. The King Memorial Foundation is inviting the world community to create a message about hope using today’s tools for digital storytelling.

“We are more than enthused to launch this engaging and immersive campaign, which will allow many Americans and others to share their personal thoughts and reflections in honor of the legacy of Dr. King and other civil rights icons over a 30-day period,” states Harry Johnson, President of the Memorial Foundation.

The Celebrate the Dream…Share the Dream campaign is being rolled out during a time when social unrest generated by cases of police brutality involving African Americans has dominated headlines in much the same way Dr. King’s work for equal access to the ballot box and other civil rights commanded the nation’s social conscience decades ago.

Johnson adds, “With the pressing social issues of the day and they include such tragedies as the death of Trayvon Martin, the deaths of Michael Brown and Freddie Gray, the Charleston 9, the Confederate flag issue and the social unrest that is occurring around the globe, what better time to highlight the reason why we built the MLK Memorial.”

The King Memorial Foundation is dedicated to keeping the spirit of Dr. King’s lifelong work alive by offering events designed to educate visitors in ways that promote democracy, justice and hope. The Memorial Foundation raised over $120 million to build the tribute memorial located on the National Mall where it is one of the most popular monuments.

To participate in the message campaign, go to the Memorial’s website www.theMemorialFoundation.org. A Detroit-based startup built around digital storytelling is providing the technological support for the effort.

“What better way to offer many from around the world a chance to share their thoughts about Dr. King and his speech than an immersive social media platform,” adds Alyssa Martina, President of Memloom. “We at Memloom are very honored to partner with the Memorial Foundation on this historical occasion and offer our unique insight and digital platform to enchance the experience of those visit the Memorial Foundation’s website.”

Two years ago thousands gathered on the Mall in honor of the 50^th Anniversary of the March on Washington. Founders of the Memorial recognize they are announcing their campaign without the emotional significance of a milestone observance.

Johnson reflected, “Although the 52^nd Anniversary does not have the same prestige of the 50^th or the 55^th Anniversary, we at the memorial Foundation believe that recognition of the “I Have a Dream” Speech is one of the key tenants of our mission.”

What the campaign may lack in chronological distinction it more than makes up for with its play for an engagement with an younger audience accustomed to connecting digitally and via social media.

“Allowing people to share their personal stories with today’s technology will continue to advance the unparalleled legacy of Dr. King, the March on Washington and the “I Have a Dream” speech for generations to come,” summarized Martina.