About Us Living the Dream, Inc. (LTD) traces its roots to 1978, when it was founded as Community Learning Week (CLW) by the late Dr. Grace M. Pleasants, Director of the Virginia Union University Office of Student Development; and the Richmond Committee of Black Churchmen, under the leadership of Tyler C. Millner. CLW was among the nation’s earliest observances dedicated to commemorating and advancing the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. CLW's intention was to bring together the whole community, including its leaders and organizations, to honor Dr. King's memory and mission. Community Learning Week was co-sponsored by more than 250 businesses, educational institutions, religious, civic organizations and volunteers. “Living the Dream, Inc., a month-long movement for equity, powered by the people.” In January 1999, CLW evolved into Living the Dream, Inc., expanding its vision to host month-long events honoring Dr. King’s life and work. At its height, LTD stood as one of the only community-owned, month-long commemorations of its kind in the nation. Supported by more than thirty religious, civic, educational institutions, and businesses—and powered by over 250 volunteers—LTD became a model of collective action and community pride. CLW Programs have included speakers such as Mrs. Coretta Scott King; Martin Luther King, III; Congressman John Lewis; Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm; Governors Gerald Bailes and L. Douglas Wilder; Black Enterprise Publisher Earl Graves; Urban League President John E. Jacobs; TransAfrica Executive Director Randall Robinson; Hays T. Watkins, former chairman of CSX Corporation; William H. Gray, III, President and CEO of UNCF; Jack Ferguson, former president and CEO of Virginia Power; and Dr. Calvin O. Butts, Senior Pastor of Abyssinian Baptist Church, and Ezra Hill. a Tuskegee Black Airman.
Vision
“Celebrating the dream through service and spirit.” We are diverse citizens determined to be a catalyst for positive change and racial healing in Greater Richmond. We are inspired by and dedicated to the principles and teaching of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.