THE MAYOR’S DREAM: The Year of the Youth

Rebecca Camon
37 minutes ago
3 min read

Atlanta, GA – July 13, 2025 — On a beautiful summer afternoon in the great city of Atlanta, Ga, we came together for one of the most impactful and star-studded events of the year. The 61st Mayor, Andre Dickens, continues to drive forward his commitment towards making Atlanta the best place in America to raise a child.

Keeping his mission of the year of the youth alive by bringing back THE MAYOR’S DREAM: A Vision for Atlanta’s Future at the legendary Fox Theatre. This event was more than a celebration. It was a declaration of hope and empowerment that will leave you feeling rewarded.

More than 2,000 attendees filled this exquisite venue with intentional energy, excitement, and purpose as they rallied behind the Mayor’s Youth Scholarship Fund (MYSP). The program’s initiative is dedicated to removing financial obstacles for college-bound Atlanta youth. Since its founding in 2005, the MYSP has helped countless students overcome economic challenges by laying the foundation for academic achievement, career success, and generational wealth-building.

A Showcase of Culture, Power & Purpose

From the moment doors opened, guests were immersed in an elegant, floral, summer-themed experience that blended civic vision and local food vendors (Bloom Flavours, Irie Mon Jamaican restaurant, and Culinary Groove) with the unmatched cultural pulse of Atlanta. Music echoed through the theatre as the program unfolded, featuring an amazing lineup of artists who gave the city a show to remember.

The Emerging 100 was in the building, and the stage lit up with electric performances by:

Rick Ross brought the house down with his signature flair.
Yung Joc, Lil Scrappy, Young Dro, and Pastor Troy are Atlanta legends. Their presence reminded everyone of the city's hip-hop roots.
Lloyd delivered his soulful vocals and had the crowd singing along.
Trinidad James ignited nostalgia and got the crowd hype.
Sean Garrett took us all back with his legendary R&B hits and collaborations.
Rising stars Tulani, Power Play Productions, and crowd-favorite Mix Master David kept the energy flowing.

Together, these performers created a musical journey through Atlanta’s epic hip-hop and R&B history. This was perfectly aligned with the evening’s theme: Turning dreams into reality.

Guiding the Magic On Stage

The event was well organized by dynamic co-hosts Sara Redd and Demetrius McCray. These two powerhouses have deep ties within Atlanta’s community engagement initiatives. Their chemistry, humor, and calls to action brought the program together seamlessly. KBotchy & Arrianna Marie backed them up as they reminded the audience why Atlanta’s youth deserve every opportunity to soar.

“Tonight isn’t just about the music or the moment,” said McCray on stage. “It’s about planting seeds of opportunity for the future of Atlanta.”

Backed by Atlanta’s Most Influential Sponsors

Fueling the event’s success was the generous support of several influential sponsors committed to building a brighter future:

Atlanta Life Insurance Company
VyStar Credit Union
Bevel
Healthcare Solutions
Microsoft
Meals on Wheels
The Atlanta Dream
Perimeter College at Georgia State University
JR Law Group
Gregory Levett & Sons
Vibe Tribe University

These organizations stood with Mayor Dickens and City Hall leaders to help push THE DREAM forward by helping over 150 students with hundreds of thousands of dollars each year.

A Future Built on Opportunity

Mayor Dickens’ vision is clear: an Atlanta where every young person (regardless of zip code) has the tools, support, and inspiration to succeed. THE DREAM is part of a broader plan to create a safer, smarter, and more inclusive Atlanta by investing in the power of young people and the programs that support them. It is a group project.

“It starts here, in this room, with this community,” Mayor Dickens shared during his remarks. “Our youth deserve more than just a dream, they deserve a future that’s funded, protected, and full of possibilities.”

More Than an Event: A Movement

THE DREAM 2025 wasn’t just an afternoon fundraiser. It was a movement and a cultural call to action that brought together celebrities, city leaders, influencers, creatives, and everyday Atlantans under one roof for one powerful cause.

For more information or to get involved with the Mayor’s Youth Scholarship Program, contact:

📧 TheDreamMYSP@gmail.com

📞 Sara Redd – 470-581-5403

📞 Demetrius McCray – 404-276-9503

📸 IG: jsphotographyatl

📸 IG: bobmackeyphotography

Stay tuned to In The City Magazine for exclusive coverage, red carpet moments, and a closer look at how Atlanta continues to dream big and deliver towards Mayor Dicken’s Group Project.