Printer friendly version

News

2008 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration

February 13 , 2008
By Jerry Rogers
Norfolk District Public Affairs

FORT NORFOLK, Va. – Norfolk District's Waterfield Building Headquarters certainly can't compete with the legendary Apollo Theater in Harlem, New York City, and its fame for allowing aspiring young talent a venue to showcase their talents. During the annual Norfolk District commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Waterfield Building became the historic site for nine-year-old RaeVaughn K. Johnson's amazing rendition of Dr. King's immortal “I Have A Dream” speech.

District members were so enthralled by Master Johnson's performance, that after rendering the 5th grader from P.B. Young Elementary School in Norfolk a standing ovation, many lined up to shake Johnson's hand, offer words of praise and encouragement, and ask for his signed autograph. Several employees openly commented that this was truly a historic moment in time.

Johnson's mother and grandmother were on hand to share in the joy of the moment and witness RaeVaugh, who represented three generations of Johnsons, eloquently speak of Dr. King's enduring desire for a future where all people would co-exist harmoniously as equals. Dr. King's “I Have A Dream” speech, delivered Aug. 28, 1963, from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial during the landmark March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, became a defining moment of the American Civil Rights Movement.

RaeVaugh's mother commented that her son has been traveling throughout the United States for a few years, reciting Dr. King's "I Have A Dream" speech at schools, community events, and even the famed Apollo Theater in Harlem.

[News Archives...]