In celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, the University of Maine at Presque Isle will host Rashaad Johnson, motivational speaker and CEO of ImpactU, for a presentation on Realizing the Dream: Celebrating the Ideas of MLK on Monday, Jan. 20 at 6 p.m. in the Campus Center. Sponsored by UMPI’s Student Activities Office, the event is free and the public is encouraged to attend.

Johnson will share his own experiences and ideas about changing the world as he discusses the life and work of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Rashaad Johnson grew up in North Carolina and graduated from North Carolina A&T State University with a degree in Electronics Technology. After graduation, he turned down a job working in New Orleans in field technology to pursue an unpaid internship for a non-profit organization, dedicating his time for others. He had worked in ministry while continuing a career in corporate America.

For more than 10 years, Johnson has travelled around the country motivating and impacting others. He speaks about his story and experiences in his book Caged Dream: Give Yourself Permission to Pursue Your Passion. According to Johnson’s website, the book gives people encouragement and reassurance to accomplish their goals in life.

As the CEO of ImpactU, Johnson oversees a school of thought that publishes videos, statements of encouragement, inspiration through social media, and in-person seminars and talks. ImpactU started as a business to encourage people to pursue their passion and live their dreams. Johnson uses his platform as a means to impact people in a way that stirs up a desire for them to identify their passion and take action so they can begin to live their dreams.

UMPI welcomes the campus and community to hear Johnson speak on Jan. 20. For more information about Johnson, visit his website at https://www.rashaadjohnson.com/. For more information about this event, contact Violet Hurlbert at 207-768-9582 or email violet.hurlbert@maine.edu.