Chosen Pen‘s Virtual Book Tour 2024 SPOTLIGHT
Chosen Pen‘s Virtual Book Tour 2024 SPOTLIGHT
Dr. Stephon Ferguson
Author | Speaker | Performing Artist | Former Radio Personality & News Reporter
The Voice of Martin Luther King
Author Glimpse
Meet the voice of Martin Luther King in today’s world, Dr. Stephon Ferguson. He is an author, speaker, and artist who is promoting his philosophy of justice, equality, and freedom as the only person ever licensed by the King’s Estate.
Ferguson, a former radio personality and news reporter, is well known for his speeches and teachings about Martin Luther King Jr.
To guide your heart and transform your relationships with divine wisdom, discover the key tips advised by one of the Creative Soul, Bestseller Author and the Voice of Martin Luthar King, Dr. Stephon Ferguson -“Divine Relation Tips.”
Buy The Book From Amazon Now: Divine RelationTips
Buy The Book From Amazon Now: Divine RelationTips
BIO | Dr. Stephon Ferguson
Stephon Ferguson is widely recognized for his exceptional ability to embody the voice and spirit of Martin Luther King Jr., and in “Legacy Reloaded; A Nonviolent Awakening,” he brings that same passion and authenticity to his writing. Through vivid storytelling and compelling analysis, Ferguson sheds light on the often-overlooked influence of Nonviolence in shaping the course of history, making a compelling case for its enduring significance.
In “Legacy Reloaded,” Ferguson delves into the timeless principles of nonviolence and their profound relevance in today’s world. Drawing from the wisdom of Martin Luther King Jr., Ferguson presents a compelling case for the enduring power of nonviolent activism as a force for positive social change.
“Legacy Reloaded: A Nonviolent Awakening” is a timely and essential read for individuals seeking to understand and engage in the ongoing struggle for a more just and equitable society. With its powerful message of hope and unity, this book is poised to inspire and empower readers from all walks of life.
Moving forward, Dr. Stephon Ferguson is available for interviews, panel discussions, and speaking engagements to share insights from “Legacy Reloaded” and discuss the enduring relevance of nonviolent activism in today’s world.
Interview Summary
1. Your journey from radio personality to news reporter to renowned speaker and educator about Martin Luther King Jr.’s philosophy and writer seems quite interesting.
What inspired you to take on this unique role, maybe any moment or experience?
Stephon: Communications and Voice have always been of great interest to me since I was in elementary school. I would read their daily newspaper to my mother as if I was a news reporter. I watched the news nearly every day. Though I didn’t understand it all, I would emulate the news anchor.
One day, when I was in my late 20’s a friend of mine asked me to ride with him to go see the Program Director at a new radio station in Red Springs, NC – WLRD 107.7FM. While I was only riding along, I ended up getting hired as they were looking for someone to do voicework for commercials, PSA’s, etc. I worked at middays as a Radio personality. Later, the station was sold.
I went to Cumulus Broadcasting to interview a long-time radio host for a local magazine I was publishing called The Vision. Before leaving, I jokingly asked if they had any openings. They gave me a script from the Associated Press and asked me to read and record. They heard a few seconds of the recording and hired me on the spot. In a matter of months I was promoted to the chief news reporter. I worked there as a news reporter for 7 years – to this day.
Besides that, one day when I was practicing my DJing skills I mixed in portions of the I Have a Dream speech I had on record. I started imitating King, my friend heard me and asked if it was me. We joked about it but he encouraged me to take it seriously. “You could bless a lot of people with that voice – sounding like a King.” I took his advice. I realized, not long after that it was a calling on my life and God had been preparing me since elementary.
2. As you are widely recognized for your voice acting, what challenges and joys do you encounter when bringing historical figures to life through voice acting?
Stephon: The greatest challenge with voice acting as it relates to MLK is of all the requests I get the manuscript is not what King actually said. Because his works are copyrighted, people either have to rewrite it or write something that goes along with their project. I have to make the determination of whether or not the King would say what they wrote. I have had to turn some down because it was either false statements or something I know King would not utter. In line with the agreement I have with the King Estate, I have to be very careful and thoughtful when I agree to projects – making sure that I do not jeopardize the integrity of King’s words.
My hope is that it will resonate to the degree that it makes people think and ultimately incorporate change that is necessary. I want them to see that Nonviolence has worked before, that it is not time sensitive, and that it will work today if we work it.
3. Your passion for working towards liberty and justice for all shines through each of your words and everything you do.
What advice would you give to someone who aspires to make a change for betterment in their communities but may not know where to start?
Stephon: Become affiliated with organizations that work toward bettering our communities and giving of your time and talent. Educate yourself on American history, particularly African American history, the Civil Rights Movement.
Get a mentor who is known for doing what you aspire to do. Additionally, identify the needs in your community and support organizations that work toward meeting those needs.
4. It’s glad to hear that your dedication towards work paid off, and you were featured in TIME Magazine for your portrayal of MLK in their Virtual Reality recreation of the 1963 March on Washington. It must have been an incredible honor.
What was it like to be part of such an event, and how do you think immersive experiences like this contribute to our understanding of history?
Stephon: It was an amazing experience like none other. It was indeed an incredible honor to perform at that level and knowing King’s history with TIME particularly as the first African American to be named Man of the Year in 1964 (for 1963). They searched online, found my website, and called my manager who set it all up. I was on set for four days in Los Angeles, California.
Day 1 was more of an introduction to get me to know the people I’d be working with. I also recited the entire 17- minute speech about 3 times that day. Day 2, they geared me up and we started practicing. Day three was full of recording. And on the fourth day, I spent recording the audio of the I Have a Dream speech in the studio.
An immersive experience such as this can give people who were not there an experience as if they were. It puts them there on the national mall. They get a better understanding of what the march was all about. With people of all ages, cultures, and backgrounds, they experience a great sense of unity.
5. What would you like to tell us about your recent experience of a Virtual Book Tour and collaboration with a renowned publishing house, “Chosen Pen Publishing”?
Stephon: My experience with Chosen Pen Publishing has been great. They keep me on my toes and abreast of all that is happening.
They are very understanding and helpful as I have never experienced working with a publishing company. Chosen Pen Publishing goes above and beyond to ensure that your experience with them is unparalleled. The Virtual Book Tour is amazing and a great tool to get your book out there.
6. Dr. Stephon Ferguson, what interesting projects are you working on these days?
Stephon: I am working on an online course that will follow along with my book, Legacy Reloaded. I am working on two other curricula, one of which I plan to teach on the collegiate level beginning with Fayetteville State University.
I am also working on putting together a Nonviolence Symposium in Atlanta, Georgia that will be developed into a documentary. In addition to those, I am working on a few other book projects including a children’s book.
7. Lastly, as per your LinkedIn profile, you accept speaking engagements for 2024.
What are you most looking forward to in terms of connecting with audiences and continuing to share insights from your experiences portraying Martin Luther King Jr.?
Stephon: I am looking forward mostly to engaging in dialogue with the audiences following a MLK performance. The insights I want to share will have to do with what I’ve learned on this two-decade journey and how it can be used today to bring about significant change. I look forward to challenging them to be the change they want to see. It begins with each individual.
The release of this book will now allow me to connect more closely with the audiences as conversations will now be focused on the book. I can not only encourage them to read the book, but to take the online course at TheDreamLives.com
Connect with Stephon
For booking information call 404-438-1900
Visit Dream Lives Online Store
Instagram @stephonferguson
Facebook @stephonferguson
LinkedIn Dr. Stephon Ferguson
X @stephonferguson
YouTube @faithatlanta
Divine RelationTips by Dr. Stephon Ferguson
An inspirational read. 50 personal quotes, each with a inspiring reflection and supporting scripture.
Buy at Amazon: HERE
Buy at Amazon: HERE
⚡ Powered by Chosen Pen Publishing with Dr. Norma McLauchlin
⚡ Powered by Chosen Pen Publishing with Dr. Norma McLauchlin
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