Video: Alicia Jamison, 13, tells Morristown about the enduring legacy of MLK
Posted by Kevin Coughlin on January 17, 2012 · 6 Comments
When your grandmother has been organizing Martin Luther King Day ceremonies for 42 years, odds are pretty good that you will be enlisted as a guest speaker sooner or later.
Alicia Jordan Jamison’s turn came on Monday. The eighth-grader from Scottsdale, Az., traveled to Morristown to address the Morris Interfaith Breakfast. It’s one of two yearly events that her grandmother, Felicia Jamison, has promoted as chairwoman of the Martin Luther King Observance Committee.
Alicia, 13, said she wanted to top her two brothers, who have spoken at the breakfast in recent years. She presented herself as living proof that Dr. King’s ideals are alive and well in a new generation.
“The dream lives in me … and it’s in you, too. This day is now and ever shall be a day of freedom, a day of honor, a day of family, a day of brotherhood and a day of happiness,” Alicia told a packed ballroom in the Hyatt Morristown.
Felicia was beaming as she followed her granddaughter at the microphone, to request donations for the new MLK memorial in Washington D.C., the Children’s Defense Fund, and the Martin Luther King Scholarship Fund.
“I feel like I have accomplished something,” Felicia said proudly of Alicia, who tinkered on her speech for about a year but contemplated it for much longer.
“I knew five years ago I would do this,” Alicia said afterward, adding she felt she indeed had outdone her brothers. “They’re not good public speakers,” she said.
And who is she taking aim at next? Try Chris Rock, Bernie Mack and Kevin Hart.
“I want to be a standup comedian,” Alicia said.
MORE ABOUT MLK DAY IN MORRISTOWN
Felicia Jamison, left, with grandaughter Alicia Jordan Jamison, 13. Both addressed the Morris Interfaith Breakfast on Martin Luther King Day 2012. Photo by Kevin Coughlin
Miss Jamison,,,nicely done,,,gave me goose bumps
Wonderful, beautiful young lady…and an amazing speech. I am friends with her grandmother, Jackie in California, and have known her mother, Dana, since she was in high school. I heard the speech and felt so proud that you have followed in your mother’s and grandmother’s footsteps. How moving and wonderful. I am so proud of Alicia…but not surprised!
I have known Alicia in her little girl years, and am so excited to watch this video. Her family and Grandmother must be beaming!
Alicia is the proof of progress and optimism in so many ways! She is judged by the content of her character, yes, but look at her character! An eighth grader who spoke with the pride and wisdom of a mature woman! The energy and sincerity she spoke with made me want to stand up and clap! MLK would be proud of Alicia, and I congratulate her on her beautiful speech.
Douglass and Marcus, watch out!!
The speech by Alicia was excellent and very contemporary. She set the correct tone in this day when a lot of “older” folks feel that the new generation does not understand and know the importance of MLK,Jr. Her speech is evidence that MLK,Jr. lives in her and I hope many more of her generation! I know her grandmother is very proud of her and with good reason. You go girl!
Alicia’s California grandmother, Jackie, and I met in grammar school. After many years (geographically) apart, in 2007, we reunited at our 50th high school reunion. I am so happy to see Alicia in this video. She’s definitely the confident, thoughtful, and bright young woman Jackie rightfully boasts about! You go girl!!
Great tribute to Felicia Jamison to have her granddaughter present in an eloquent, articulate, thoughtful and assured manner. Kids need to know that the lives they enjoy today are the product of blood, sweat, tears, pain, agony and a deep faith in the Lord. KUDOs to Alicia, her parents, grand parents and l who play a significant part in her life.