For a quarter of a century, the U.S. Dream Academy’s Power of a Dream Gala has served as a barometer for how mentorship and community investment can reshape young lives. This year’s milestone event, held at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, D.C., did more than mark an anniversary — it showcased a transformative approach to corrections and celebrated the raw talent of students alongside a Grammy-winning icon.
Award-winning NBC4 journalist Shawn Yancy hosted the evening, which unfolded under the theme “Dreams Evolve: Transforming Lives Together for America 250.” The theme tied the organization’s mission to the nation’s upcoming semiquincentennial, underscoring a commitment to children of incarcerated parents and young people in underserved communities. The program was a blend of stirring music, heartfelt speeches, and a clear-eyed focus on the Academy’s work.
The celebration in Washington, D.C., featured inspiring honoree speeches, student performances, and a standing ovation for “A Whole New World”
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For 25 years, the Power of a Dream Gala has celebrated what is possible when people come together and invest in the promise of our young people”— C. Diane Wallace Booker, CEO of the U.S. Dream AcademyWASHINGTON, DC, UNITED STATES, November 6, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — The U.S. Dream Academy celebrated its 25th Annual Power of a Dream Gala recently at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, D.C. The evening honored distinguished leaders and celebrated the Academy’s work empowering young people through mentorship, education, and opportunity, with a special performance by Grammy Award-winning singer Regina Belle.
The night’s musical highlight came when Regina Belle and local artist Duawne Starling delivered her award-winning classic “A Whole New World,” drawing a standing ovation. Belle also joined forces with the Takoma Academy Camerata Choir and students from Baltimore’s U.S. Dream Academy, amplifying young voices in the celebration. Earlier, the Duke Ellington School of the Arts Jazz Band set the tone at the Sponsor Reception, blending student artistry with professional polish.
“For 25 years, the Power of a Dream Gala has celebrated what is possible when people come together and invest in the promise of our young people,” said C. Diane Wallace Booker, CEO of the U.S. Dream Academy. “As our nation marks its 250th anniversary, we are honoring extraordinary leaders while recommitting ourselves to ensuring that every child, regardless of circumstance, has the opportunity, support, and encouragement to dream bigger and build a brighter future.”
2026 Power of a Dream Honorees
The gala recognized leaders whose work embodies the Academy’s mission. Margita Thompson, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer of Aventiv Technologies, received the President’s Award for her leadership spanning government, media, and corporate sectors, and for building bridges between organizations and communities while mentoring young leaders.
Commissioner Randall A. Liberty of the Maine Department of Corrections received the Martin Luther King Jr. Service Award. His story is particularly striking: as a child, he visited his incarcerated father at Maine State Prison; he later returned as that facility’s warden before becoming the state’s Commissioner of Corrections. Under his leadership, the Maine Model of corrections was designed, enabling numerous incarcerated residents to secure remote employment at competitive wages — allowing them to support families, repay victims, and prepare for reintegration. This pioneering approach has earned national and international recognition.
Jafaru Levere received the Mentor of the Year Award, highlighting the essential role mentors play in helping young people envision and achieve a successful future.
2026 Power of a Dream Sponsors
The U.S. Dream Academy thanked gala sponsors Giant, Aventiv Technologies, MarkerMan, AdventHealth, and Mo and Richard Anderson for their generous support.
Celebrating Nearly Three Decades of the Power of a Dream
Founded in 1998 by Wintley Phipps, the U.S. Dream Academy provides mentorship, academic support, and character development to children impacted by parental incarceration. Since its founding, the organization has helped thousands of young people recognize their potential and pursue purposeful futures. Founder and world-renowned gospel artist Wintley Phipps delivered encouraging remarks and sang his acclaimed rendition of “Amazing Grace.”
The evening brought to life the theme “Dreams Evolve: Transforming Lives Together for America 250,” celebrating how dreams grow when young people have mentors, opportunities, and a community that believes in their future.
About the U.S. Dream Academy
The U.S. Dream Academy is a national nonprofit dedicated to empowering children of incarcerated parents and other young people in underserved communities. For more information, visit www.usdreamacademy.org
NBC4: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wkr8zjvXhas
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Oprah interviewed by Janae, U.S. Dream Academy student
Why it matters: The U.S. Dream Academy’s 25th gala was not just a celebration — it was a reminder that targeted mentorship and innovative corrections models can break cycles of incarceration. By honoring leaders like Commissioner Liberty, who turned his own childhood experience into a nationally recognized rehabilitation framework, the event underscored that second chances are not just possible, but proven.
