The event, which was held at the State Capitol in Hartford, was organized by the Connecticut Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission. Established in 1986, the Commission was created to honor and advance King’s legacy throughout Connecticut. This year marks the Commission’s 40th anniversary.

Despite the large crowd including some high-profile figures like U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont, and other legislative and religious leaders, Cam says he wasn’t nervous ahead of his speech. “I didn’t really feel the pressure. I was just focused. That was my first time speaking in front of a large audience. I made sure I slowed down so that it wasn’t just words I was saying—each word was part of a message, and I wanted that message to be heard.”

Cam began his speech, which he titled “Keeping the Dream Alive,” by acknowledging the day’s celebration was meant to represent a dream that was spoken of long before he was born, but that he sees the dream in reality every day at Avon Old Farms. That excerpt from Cam’s speech can be read below:

Cam went on to say that although he sees elements of Dr. King’s dream being carried out today, the dream is still not completely fulfilled. Inequality and injustice still exist in this country and there is still work to be done. “Dr. King believed that young people would carry the dream forward. I now understand that being his dream doesn’t mean the work is finished — it means the responsibility has been passed on. I am his dream because I’m living proof that change is possible, and because of that, I have a responsibility to help keep pushing forward,” Cam said in his speech.

For Cam, it wasn’t a tough decision when he was asked if he would like to be a part of the celebration. “I felt like it was important to give my perspective and opinions on how MLK impacted me personally.” As an added bonus, Cam’s words will be preserved in the State Library’s archives along with the rest of the event’s speakers.

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