ATLANTA DREAM, THE KING CENTER ANNOUNCE 2026 EMERGING DREAMERS COHORT, INVESTING IN ATLANTA’S NEXT GENERATION OF LEADERS

23 Atlanta-area college students selected for leadership development fellowship focused on nonviolence, storytelling and social impact

ATLANTA – September 24, 2026 – The Atlanta Dream and The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change announced the 2026 cohort of Emerging Dreamers, a leadership development fellowship designed to equip the next generation of changemakers with the skills, confidence and relationships to create meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.

The 24-member cohort, the third in the program’s history, brings together students from 11 colleges and universities across Georgia. Throughout the four-month experience, Emerging Dreamers will develop their leadership skills through storytelling, public speaking and executive presence training, while exploring the pillars of the Atlanta Dream and the philosophy and methodology of nonviolence established by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Participants will also engage with mentors and leaders from the Dream, The King Center and the broader Atlanta community.

“Emerging Dreamers is about giving talented young people the tools, relationships and platform to turn their ideas into action,” said Morgan Shaw Parker, president and COO of the Atlanta Dream. “The Dream has always believed that our impact extends well beyond the basketball court. Through this partnership with The King Center, we have the opportunity to help cultivate a generation of leaders who will shape the future of Atlanta and beyond.”

The program includes leadership development, community engagement and impact opportunities, mentorship, storytelling and public speaking training, as well as an exploration of Dr. King’s philosophy and methodology of nonviolence. Participants will also have the opportunity to earn a certificate for successful completion of Nonviolence365®, receive recognition from Dr. Bernice A. King, participate in The King Center’s Beloved Community Global Youth Summit and attend an Atlanta Dream game.

“Dr. King’s legacy calls on each generation to understand that leadership is not simply about having a title; it is about having the courage, discipline and commitment to create positive change,” said Dr. Bernice A. King, CEO of The King Center. “Emerging Dreamers gives these young leaders an opportunity to develop their voices, deepen their understanding of nonviolence and discover how they can use their leadership to help build a more just, humane, equitable and peaceful world.” 

Emerging Dreamers launched in 2024 with an inaugural cohort of 12 college students. The program continues the Atlanta Dream and The King Center’s shared commitment to youth leadership, education, community engagement and social impact. 

Meet the 2026 Emerging Dreamers

  • Madison Ross — Atlanta Technical College
  • Kenadie Matthews — Clark Atlanta University
  • Milan Mangram — Clark Atlanta University
  • Talia Kemp — Clark Atlanta University
  • Caitlin Ludwig — Emory University
  • Hannah Lang — Georgia State University
  • Meisee Chau — Georgia Institute of Technology
  • Aliyah Johnson — Kennesaw State University
  • Amir Hood — Morehouse College
  • Ryan Mbouombouo — Morehouse College
  • Amir Banks — Morehouse College
  • Terrell Webster — Morehouse College
  • Boisseau Woltz — Morehouse College
  • Bryce Enough — Morehouse College
  • Jackson Brown — Oglethorpe University
  • Laney Castillo — Oglethorpe University
  • Maiya Robinson — Oglethorpe University
  • Nia Louis — Savannah College of Art and Design
  • Adetola Adeniyi — Spelman College
  • Chase Bowdre — Spelman College
  • Lena Carn-Atkins — Spelman College
  • Jordan Fischer — Spelman College
  • Taylor Wells — Spelman College
  • Gabriel Fioresi — University of Georgia

The 2026 Emerging Dreamers were recognized during the Atlanta Dream’s game on September 19.  A photo from the halftime recognition can be found here.

About the Atlanta Dream  
Established in 2008, the Atlanta Dream is the Southeast’s only WNBA franchise, playing its home games at Gateway Center Arena @ College Park. This year the Dream will play six home games at State Farm Arena, continuing the organization’s commitment to elevating the game on the biggest stages. Dream games are telecast locally on Atlanta News First (WANF-TV). Since 2009, the Dream has produced 13 WNBA All-Stars, earned 12 playoff bids and made three WNBA finals appearances. For more information about the Dream, visit atlantadream.com and follow @AtlantaDream on Facebook, Instagram, X and TikTok.  

About The King Center

The Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change (The King Center) is a 501(c) (3) organization established in 1968 by Mrs. Coretta Scott King. The King Center is the official living memorial and programmatic nonprofit organization committed to educating the world on the life, legacy, and teachings of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The King Center serves to inspire new generations to carry forward his unfinished work, strengthen causes and empower change-makers who are continuing his efforts today. The King Center’s premiere educational initiative, Nonviolence365®, is based on Dr. King’s nonviolent philosophy and methodology. His teachings engage participants from various sectors of society, including emerging and next-generation leaders, in modules and exercises that enhance communication, leadership, interpersonal, and conflict reconciliation skills, as well as empower individuals to address injustice.

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