Have you ever performed on stage or given a speech?

In the course of my attendance of the Tongue Point Job Corps Center in Astoria, OR, I was granted the privilege of reading Martin Luther King Junior’s “Dream” speech, during Black History month, in front of the entire student body and staff.

Astoria’s Tongue Point Job Corps center was one of the first in the nation to open in 1965. Located on a former Navy base, it now hosts 313 students, many of whom live on campus, and 165 staff members.

Read more at: https://dailyastorian.com/2025/05/30/tongue-point-job-corps-center-slated-to-close/

The Job Corps program originated in 1964 as part of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s “War on Poverty,” established by the Economic Opportunity Act (EOA) to combat youth unemployment by providing education, vocational training, and work experience for disadvantaged young people.

At the Job Corps Center, I was a member of the Student Government Association (SGA), representing the third residence as its president. I served for 3 terms in office. I had originally applied for and was elected to the role of Vice President of the dorm.

Mid way through the semester I took over the president role, after the current president had joined the college program and her class schedules conflicted with regular SGA activities.

I would go on to serve as president for the remainder of the term and was twice re-elected to office.

In 2007, during Black History Month, a call went out for a student volunteer to make a reading of MLKs reverent speech.

After my application and interview was accepted, I won the coveted role.

I read the speech numerous times, listening to and watching recordings, to familiarize myself with Dr. King’s manner of speech, his inflection, and voice.

My own voice is often colored by the British English accent I picked up from my father. I practiced speaking in the manner of a preacher, replicating a soulful black southern accent to better convey the words of MLKs speech.

In February, before the entire assembled student body and staff, I gave my reading.

Public speaking was never my strong suit, but I felt empowered that day. Constant practice had lent me confidence and strength.

I believe that day marked the pinnacle of my time at Tongue Point. It was the culmination of my efforts to improve upon myself as a person and a future member of the workforce.

It was also an especially poignant speech as I was living proof of the success of that Dream.

Born of mixed race parentage in the predominantly Caucasian Pacific Northwest, growing up, I had had my share of racist encounters in school and society, but it was during my time at the Center that I truly found acceptance.

I was uplifted, moving beyond mere tolerance to actively support, encourage, and help others to grow.

The success of the Job Corps program lies in its fostering of an environment where people feel valued, empowered, and inspired to reach their best selves.

I am reminded of my best self every February and following months are better for it.

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