Black excellence was front and center!
For 100 high school students from across the country, this year’s Disney Dreamers Academy wasn’t just about career workshops or mentorship—it was about something much deeper. It was about seeing themselves in spaces they once thought were out of reach. From the moment they arrived at Walt Disney World last week, these young dreamers stepped into a five-day experience designed to challenge, inspire, and equip them with the tools to chase their dreams. But for many Black students in the program, the most powerful lesson wasn’t just in the skills they gained—it was in the representation.
Since 2008, the Disney Dreamers Academy has been nurturing young, ambitious minds and elevating the power of visibility. This year, Black excellence wasn’t just a feature—it was the foundation. The students were met with a powerhouse lineup of accomplished Black professionals from STEM, entertainment, fashion, and more—each one proving that success is not just possible but inevitable when you dare to dream. And it’s been the same from the start.
At the forefront of this year’s Academy was Tyler James Williams, the Emmy-winning actor known for Everybody Hates Chris and Abbott Elementary. As this year’s DREAMbassador, he shared his journey and lessons from child star to celebrated actor. He was joined by an all-star lineup of mentors, including Adam Blackstone, the musical mastermind behind performances for Alicia Keys and Janet Jackson; Tamela and David Mann, Grammy-winning gospel icons and actors; radio host and comedian Rickey Smiley; fashion visionary Jerome Lamaar; and STEM trailblazer Aisha Bowe. But they weren’t just guest speakers—they were fully present, engaged, and ready to pour into the next generation of Black excellence.
For DeJuan “DJ” Strickland from St. Louis, Missouri, representation isn’t just important—it’s personal. A best-selling comic book author and STEM advocate, DJ grew up seeing a lack of Black representation in film, books, and tv. Inspired by Chadwick Boseman in Black Panther, he set out to change that narrative, creating Tech Boy and Science Girl—comics that put Black protagonists at the forefront of STEM. “Seeing this kind of representation here at the Disney Dreamers Academy of people who are in the field I’m trying to go into is very inspirational to me, and makes me want to be someone who’s just like them,” DJ shared with Because of Them We Can.
Jaden Kelly, a high school senior from Houston, Texas, felt that same impact. Already a Part-107 certified drone pilot and student pilot, she has her sights set on earning her pilot’s license and a doctorate in mechanical engineering. But in a field where Black women make up less than 2% of professionals, meeting mentors who looked like her changed everything. “Coming here and seeing those [mentors], whether if it’s in my field or not, makes me feel good. It makes me feel empowered,” she said.
Throughout the week, students had the chance to connect directly with mentors—leaders in their respective fields who could offer advice and guidance as these young dreamers navigate their futures. Blackstone’s advice: Chase after the things that make you scared. “Sometimes we get comfortable just being cool, but if God has given us a dream, it’s not to be feared.”
That message hit home for Dreamer Brice Everhart, an 18-year-old entrepreneur from Houston. Founder of Vallaries For Men, Brice had already earned a City of Houston Proclamation for his work, but Disney Dreamers Academy opened his eyes even wider. “It’s one thing to see people achieving their dreams,” he said. “But to see Black people doing it at this level—it’s inspiring. Seeing is believing. And now, the dream is set in stone. I can see it.”
The program culminated in an commencement ceremony on Sunday, where Dreamers officially became alumni of the Academy. Families, mentors, and chaperones gathered for a emotional ring ceremony, hearing last remarks and words for guest speakers, including a moving performance from Tamela Mann who took everyone to church. Walt Disney World Ambassador Shannon Smith-Conrad left the students with one final charge: “Believe in yourself, keep moving forward, and take what you’ve learned back to your communities. That’s how we build a legacy—by lifting as we climb.”
The Disney Dreamers Academy isn’t just shaping futures—it’s building a pipeline of Black excellence, proving that dreams are not just meant to be chased, but realized. To learn more, visit DisneyDreamersAcademy.com or follow @DisneyDreamersAcademy on Instagram and Facebook.
Cover photo: The Magic in Disney Dreamers Academy Isn’t Just in the Parks, It’s in the Representation/Photo Credit: Disney Dreamers Academy / Mark Ashman / Joel Kaiman