From Dreams to Businesses: Lessons from Clarkston’s First MLK Pitch Competition

I had the opportunity to attend and serve as a judge at City of Clarkston’s first-ever MLK Celebration: From a Dream to an Entrepreneur Pitch Competition, and it was truly inspiring.

Watching young people step confidently into leadership, creativity, and innovation was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we invest in our youth. This event honored Dr. King’s legacy in a forward-looking way, showing how dreams, when nurtured, can become pathways to entrepreneurship, opportunity, and real community impact.

These students are already making meaningful contributions through youth entrepreneurship, and their confidence and commitment to their community were impressive.

Thank you to Beverly Burks, City Council, the City Administrator, and community leaders who don’t just say “our children are our future,” but actively create opportunities for students to build skills, gain experience, and grow into leaders.

This is what intentional leadership and community collaboration look like.