Gospel recording artist Smokie Norful and acclaimed actress Alfre Woodard will be featured guests during the 2026 Realizing the Dream celebration in Tuscaloosa, an annual series honoring the life, legacy, and leadership of Martin Luther King Jr..
Now in its 17th year, Realizing the Dream includes a legacy awards banquet and a gospel concert that highlight faith, service, and community impact. This year’s theme, “Realizing the Dream through Faith and Action,” reflects a continued commitment to Dr. King’s vision through civic engagement and leadership, according to a release from University of Alabama.
Smokie Norful will serve as the featured performer for the 2026 Realizing the Dream Concert, scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 18. The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Moody Music Concert Hall on the University of Alabama campus, located at 810 Second Ave.
Alfre Woodard will headline the Realizing the Dream Legacy Awards Banquet as the guest speaker. The banquet is set for Friday, Jan. 16, at 6:30 p.m. in the Sellers Auditorium inside the Bryant Conference Center, 240 Paul W. Bryant Drive.
The Realizing the Dream initiative is organized by a collaborative committee representing Shelton State Community College, Stillman College, the Tuscaloosa chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, and the University of Alabama.
Ticket prices for both the concert and awards banquet will be announced at a later date. Tickets will be available for purchase online at realizingthedream.ua.edu.
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