Throughout his adult life, Rev. Wendell Paris, Sr. has been involved in a leadership capacity in a variety of organizations and efforts that promote not only civil rights, but also economic development designed to sustain communities that are typically comprised of lower-income minorities. As a founding member of the Tuskegee Advancement League (TIAL), a campus organization affiliated with the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), he helped to register voters and participated in direct action campaigns in Alabama and Mississippi.

The annual Realizing the Dream Awards are presented by the University of Alabama Division of Community Affairs.

Cinematography by Preston Sullivan.