Dreamfest is a weekend of events, both community and Cary sponsored, that celebrate the legacy of the Reverend Dr. Martin L. King Jr. During the holiday weekend, we present a diverse range of programs that explore topics such as equity, representation, and poverty while providing opportunities for community service. We welcome your participation in each of these events.

Schedule:

Friday, January 12, 2024:

2:00 pm - Lowndes County And The Road To Black Power

The passing of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 represented not the culmination of the Civil Rights Movement, but the beginning of a new, crucial chapter. Nowhere was this next battle better epitomized than in Lowndes County, Alabama, a rural, impoverished county with a vicious history of racist terrorism. In a county that was 80 percent Black but had zero Black voters, laws were just paper without power. This isn’t a story of hope but of action. Through first person accounts and searing archival footage, LOWNDES COUNTY AND THE ROAD TO BLACK POWER tells the story of the local movement and young Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) organizers who fought not just for voting rights, but for Black Power in Lowndes County.

Directed by Sam Pollard and Geeta Gandbhir.

7:30 pm - Comedy Show with Azeem

For nearly twenty years, Azeem’s comedy has brought laughter to millions of people worldwide. Whether across stage, colleges, corporate events or religious functions, the result is always the same: drop-dead funny. In 2005, he was the recipient of the MPAC Image Award, for his stand-up performance on the critically-acclaimed Allah Made Me Funny: Official Muslim Comedy Tour, which provided an opportunity for a healthy dialogue between Muslims and non-Muslims; drawing the attention of The Daily Show w/ Jon Stewart.  His ability to build bridges across gender, ethnicity, and religious lines has earned him the title of “holistic healer through humor”.

Many in the media describe Azeem’s humor as “conscious comedy”. His ability to intertwine touchy subjects in a politically correct society with charismatic candor, makes him sought out the world over. 

Azeem, a native of St. Louis, Missouri, began his comedy career in 1999 at the age of 26 while working at a rehabilitation center for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In 2005, Azeem made his network television debut on “Comic View”, which brought him to the attention of many clubs and colleges throughout the United States. His standout performances have taken him to over 5 continents, 37 countries, and a favorite on the seven seas; performing onboard Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line ships.

His first full comedy CD “I’m Just Serious” was released in 2010, and his first DVD “Live & Unfiltered” was released in 2015. Azeem can be heard every week on his podcast “I’m Just Serious” on iTunes and Stitcher Radio.His latest endeavor, a one-man show “Funny, Faithful & Flawed” debuted in 2020.

Doors Open at 7:00 pm

Saturday, January 13, 2024:

10:00 am - 12:00 pm: Dreamfest: Tellebration at Page-Walker Arts and History Center

This engaging storytelling event for children will feature award-winning storyteller, Willa Brigham, who will share inspiring stories for youth. Includes hands-on craft activities for kids. Please bring a children's book to donate to Read and Feed.

4:30 pm - 8:30 pm: Dreamfest Celebration: It Takes A Village To Realize A Dream at Cary Arts Center

Join us for a community resource fair, art zone, food, and a cultural arts show!

4:30 pm - 8:30 pm: Dreamfest Celebration Charitable Collection at Cary Arts Center

The Western Wake Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Inc. will sponsor a " Love Our Neighbor" charitable collection on behalf of The Carying Place, in Cary NC.

The following new items are needed to support “The Carying Place” in their mission to empower homeless working families. Donations will be accepted in the Cary Arts Center lobby for the duration of the 2024 MLK Dreamfest Celebration event.

2:00 pm - 10:00 pm: Skating ring at Park Street Courts

Come enjoy our FREE skating rink at Park Street Courts.

2:00 pm: All Dirt Roads Taste Of Salt at The Cary Theater

A lyrical, decades-spanning exploration across a woman’s life in Mississippi, the feature debut from award-winning poet, photographer and filmmaker Raven Jackson is a haunting and richly layered portrait, a beautiful ode to the generations of people and places that shape us.

Written and Directed by Raven Jackson.

5:00 pm: Lowndes County And The Road To Black Power at The Cary Theater

The passing of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 represented not the culmination of the Civil Rights Movement, but the beginning of a new, crucial chapter. Nowhere was this next battle better epitomized than in Lowndes County, Alabama, a rural, impoverished county with a vicious history of racist terrorism. In a county that was 80 percent Black but had zero Black voters, laws were just paper without power. This isn’t a story of hope but of action. Through first person accounts and searing archival footage, LOWNDES COUNTY AND THE ROAD TO BLACK POWER tells the story of the local movement and young Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) organizers who fought not just for voting rights, but for Black Power in Lowndes County.

Sunday, January 14, 2024:

3:30 pm - 5:00 pm: MLK Dreamfest Interfaith Service at Christ the King Lutheran Church

Christ the King Lutheran Church, welcomes all faiths to a celebration in honor of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The program theme is “A Call To Conscience” taken from the title of Dr. King's book. The guest preacher will be Rev. Laura Ingersoll, from Baltimore, MD. with music by the Interfaith Choir. The MLK Virtual Reality truck will be at Christ the King Church prior to the service from 12pm-3:30pm, giving people an opportunity to experience King's 1960 "Fill Up The Jails" speech held in Durham.

Cookies and Choir: An interfaith musical meetup with munchies! Join us for coffee, tea and a few snacks from different cultures. Meet people from various denominations and faiths to learn the music for the annual MLK, Jr celebration.

5:00 pm: All Dirt Roads Taste Of Salt at The Cary Theater

A lyrical, decades-spanning exploration across a woman’s life in Mississippi, the feature debut from award-winning poet, photographer and filmmaker Raven Jackson is a haunting and richly layered portrait, a beautiful ode to the generations of people and places that shape us.

Written and Directed by Raven Jackson.

5:30 pm - 7:30 pm: It Takes a Village: Community Meal & Discussion at Cary First United Methodist Church

In the spirit of the Reverend Dr. Martin L King Jr., you are invited to join the Coalition For Better Tomorrows for dinner, community fellowship and interactive self exploration games that are sure to lead to interesting discussions. For more information contact First Cary UMC Cary.

Free event but registration is required

Monday, January 15, 2024:

MLK Work Day - Day of Service

Date:

Friday, January 12, 2024 - Monday, January 15, 2024

Locations: Various Venues in Cary, NC 27511.

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