“I am happy to join with you today in what will go down in history as the greatest demonstration for freedom in the history of our nation.”
These words, spoken by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. over 56 years ago in his “I Have a Dream” speech, were presented to a crowd of students from Colorado Mesa University (CMU) and other community members by speaker Stephon Ferguson in a performance on Aug. 28.
Ferguson, known for his presentations of King’s work, was invited to speak at CMU by the school’s Civic Forum, which is an initiative that seeks to provide opportunities to the community on topics like civic engagement.
Ferguson took to the stage without introduction or formalities, and immediately began the famous speech. He performed the entire speech, including imitations of King’s voice and mannerisms. After the performance, he held a question and answer session with Vice President of Student Services John Marshall.
“I believe that this generation is going to be the generation that is going to turn the tide, and to make a difference,” Ferguson said. “We have failed in doing so, we have failed in educating ourselves, so I would say from that aspect, is to educate yourself on the history of our nation, know what transpired. Sometimes it’s very difficult to understand where you’re going if you don’t know where you’ve been.”
Ferguson has been giving presentations of King’s work for over 15 years. He originally worked as a DJ and has held many professions throughout the years, including being a comedian and news reporter.
Before his presentation, CMU Assistant Professor Kristen Yeon-Li Yun performed “Draw the Circle Closer” by Adolphus Hailstork on the cello. President Tim Foster gave a welcome and opening remarks, followed by a moment of silence with David Combs.
Mikayla Olave from The Criterion 
Mikayla Olave from The Criterion
Pastor Amani Bullock of the Village Baptist Church gave the invocation and students Amara Hobbs and Brooklynn York held a special reading. Finally, student Brooklyn Buhre, accompanied by pianist Doug Morrow of the Grand Junction Rockestra, performed “Pride” by U2.
Mikayla Olave from The Criterion 
Mikayla Olave from The Criterion
Ferguson preaches Dr. King’s ideals fighting the system, not the individual, and seeks to address inequality and injustice. “To have that dialogue – not monologue, dialogue – we have to be able to be that country that we need to be. We are the United States of America, not the Divided States of America.”
Ferguson’s speech was met with a standing ovation from the crowd.
“It sets a tone for inclusion, and it’s a great way to engage the community beyond our students and faculty,” Marshall said about the presentation.
Ferguson had advice for the students and community members attending on what they can do to follow the example King gave. “I believe the best way we can commemorate King is to follow in the example that Dr. King gave of love and peace and nonviolence.”
After the question session, Ferguson met with several students and community members.
Elias Born from The Criterion
“We’re in a place where [CMU] can have a conversation that this country needs,” Marshall said. “We need to have more modeled civility in public.”
