Little Rock Literary Series Celebrates MLK's 'I Have a Dream' Speech

Say It Loud! Readers and Writers to host event exploring how dreams can become reality.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 9:00pm

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of an open book with the words A vibrant pop art interpretation of the enduring legacy of Dr. King's historic "I Have a Dream" speech, which will be celebrated at the upcoming literary event in Little Rock.Little Rock Today

Say It Loud! Readers and Writers is hosting the latest installment of its Tell the Story Literary Series, titled "What Happens When a Dream Isn't Deferred." The event will feature author and professor Marquese McFerguson as the presenter, along with local authors Corey Obe Coleman and Patrick Oliver sharing their stories about how their dreams came true. The event is centered around Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s iconic "I Have a Dream" speech and Langston Hughes' poem "Dreams."

Why it matters

The event aims to inspire attendees by highlighting how individuals can turn their dreams into reality, drawing inspiration from the powerful messages of Dr. King and Langston Hughes. It provides a platform for local authors to share their personal journeys, fostering a sense of community and hope.

The details

The event will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday at the First Missionary Baptist Church Education Building in Little Rock. Marquese McFerguson, an author and assistant professor of intercultural communications at Florida Atlantic University, will be the featured presenter. The Rev. Cameron Mitchell, pastor of First Missionary Baptist, will serve as the discussion moderator, and Matthew Caston, founder and CEO of Freedman Society, will be the master of ceremonies. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet and greet the local authors, including comic book creator Corey Obe Coleman and Patrick Oliver, author of "On My Own: Vision Board Guidebook for Young People."

  • The event takes place on Saturday, April 5, 2026 at 11 a.m.

The players

Marquese McFerguson

An author and assistant professor of intercultural communications at Florida Atlantic University, who will be the featured presenter at the event.

Rev. Cameron Mitchell

The pastor of First Missionary Baptist Church, who will serve as the discussion moderator for the event.

Matthew Caston

The founder and CEO of Freedman Society, who will be the master of ceremonies for the event.

Corey Obe Coleman

A comic book creator and founder of If Life Comics, who will be one of the local authors sharing their stories at the event.

Patrick Oliver

The author of "On My Own: Vision Board Guidebook for Young People", who will be one of the local authors sharing their stories at the event.

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What they’re saying

“I Have a Dream" and "Dreams" are powerful works that continue to inspire people to pursue their aspirations and make a positive impact on the world.”

— Marquese McFerguson, Author and Assistant Professor

The takeaway

This event provides a platform for local authors to share their personal stories of turning their dreams into reality, offering inspiration and hope to attendees. By centering the event around the iconic works of Dr. King and Langston Hughes, the organizers aim to empower the community to pursue their own dreams and make a lasting impact.