The event is known for the high caliber of speakers it features and this year will boast another level of excellence. The keynote speaker is Dr. Leslie N. Pollard educator, dynamic thought leader and the 11th president of Oakwood University. Dr. Pollard remains a productive and engaged scholar. He is editor and contributing author to the groundbreaking volume on leadership and cultural competency entitled "Embracing Diversity: How to Reach People of all Cultures." Since its publication, Embracing Diversity has been translated into Spanish, German, and French and has become a global text for trans-cultural leadership education. His most recent book was published in 2011. It is titled "Loving Leadership: A Devotional Designed to Bring Out the Best in You!"

The renowned Oakwood University Choir, Dynamic Praise will take the stage by storm at the McVety Centre. The choir has shared the stage with artist such as Richard Smallwood, Kirk Franklin, Yolanda Adams, Donnie McClurkin, CeCe Winans, Dottie Peoples, Byron Cage, Lamar Campbell, and Kelly Price to name a few. The choir also has alumnus roster consisting of such artist as Take 6, Virtue, Sean Simmonds, Duawne Starling. Some new stars will be featured at this event as well. Come prepared to be awed by our Mega City's rising stars who will take to stage their extraordinary talent, giving back to their community while celebrating the life and contribution of the civil rights leader. Apple Creek Youth Choir, ROC, In His Name, DHC- MLK Litaneers, Rashaan Allwood Allstar Band, Twaambo, David Record, Justice Iris, Hand of Blessings are just some of the acts scheduled to perform.

Dignitaries who will also be in attendance include: Hon. Margarett Best; Deputy Chief of Police Mark Saunders, Consul Generals including Mr. George Ramocan - Consul General of Jamaica; Dr. Mansfield Edwards, president of the Ontario Conference, Drs. Leslie and Prudence Pollard, Nathan Downer, community leaders, humanitarians, entrepreneurs, educators, media and many others.

Dr. Prudence Pollard will be hosting a book signing session to introduce her most recent book, "Raising a Leader..." which will share knowledge of how we can parent and raise some of the best youth leaders in today's age. This will start at 5:15 - 6:15PM in Rm 305 at the McVety Conference Centre.

Pauline Christian, the executive producer of the 14 year old event shared her confidence and hope in the realization of Dr King's dream in the life of our youths. " We need to instill in our youths that the dream that they possess is the seed of their greatness and we (parents, educators, government, friends, mentors, clergy etc.) need to help them provide fertile conditions to make the Dream flourish, allowing them to Reclaim the Dream. We need to cultivate a spirit of greatness within them allowing them to realize their dream and give back to the community," she says.

Special thanks is extended to RBC Royal Bank of Canada, BBPA, Sterling Dental, G98.7, Rogers TV, Grace Kennedy, EFCCC, SAV; Caribbean Camera, Pride, Share, Canada Christian College, Best Lifestyle Residence; Ontario Conference, Extreme Fitness. Special thanks to Oakwood University, with heartfelt thanks to a cutting-edge leader and speaker Dr. Leslie Pollard and Oakwood University Recruitment team, Administrative staff, and Dynamic Praise Choir under the leadership of Bruce Bean.

Tickets can be obtained at www.bbpa.org.

Media Contact: Pauline Christian, 416-605-4724