The Keeper of the Dream Award recognizes outstanding students who have helped foster interracial understanding and goodwill. As an award that honors the work of Martin Luther King Jr., recipients chosen for the Keeper of the Dream Award must go above and beyond to carry a legacy of change. Aliyah Spears is a student majoring in Dance and has been awarded for her contribution and support to her local community.
Spears first heard of the award as a freshman when she attended the Center of Multicultural Initiates (CMI) Early Experience event. She was inspired to apply as the qualifications aligned with values she believed in.
“In my eyes, a viable contender for the Keeper of the Dream Award is someone who has a heart of giving and a spirit of change,” Spears said. “A contender must truly have a desire not only to seek change, but to forth valiant effort to be the change that they are longing to see.”
While applying to become a recipient requires an extensive amount of effort, Spears felt that her contribution to her community was enough proof to show that she was worthy of the award.
“I knew that the work that I had been doing in my local and school community was work that genuinely spoke to me and that I held close to my heart,” Spears said. “Therefore, when it came time for me to share, I prioritized expressing the love and urgency behind my causes and trusted that the message would be delivered how it was meant to be delivered.”
In addition to having faith in herself, Spears also turned to her family and to the teachings of Dr. King to motivate her.
“I was apprehensive at first, uncertain if I was worthy of such an honor. However, my family lifted me up and validated that my causes were worthy,” Spears said. “Another key component in my preparation was taking time to truly examine the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. I had to look intrinsically and determine how my efforts have aligned with the dream that Dr. set forth years ago.”
After applying and hoping to become a recipient of the honorable award, Spears was filled with emotions when finding out her hard work paid off.
“When I won the award, I was absolutely overwhelmed with disbelief, excitement, and sheer gratitude. Upon opening the letter, I was in instant tears after realizing that I was a winner,” Spears said. “There is something absolutely unforgettable about being affirmed that the work you are doing is valid and is making an impactful difference on your community. Being recognized for this is something that I will be eternally grateful for.”
Spears is currently working towards a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance, as well as working towards a K-12 Dance Education Certification. She hopes to teach dance at a performing art school and open up her own dance studio as well to help create a new generation of dancers.
For more information on the award, visit the CMI OU webpage.
