Center for the American Dream

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Fifty-nine years ago, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. stood proudly on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and gave his famous and inspiring “I Have a Dream” speech. He understood that for a nation to remain viable, it must be possible to peacefully live with one another, showing respect and caring for one another, united as one human race. These values will allow a free nation to exist; else, that nation will destroy itself from within. Dr. King expressed the classic American view that it mattered not where you came from, what religion you practiced, or the color of your skin but the content of your character. While we have not always as a Nation upheld that promise of equality, America has fought to exemplify these words and bring them to fruition. We have worked to weave those unalienable rights into the beliefs and laws in this country. The remarkable freedoms Americans now enjoy are a direct result of the foundation laid by our Founders, the dedication of the American people to such core values, and the fidelity of institutions to these principles. These freedoms would not have been possible but for America’s unity, faith, justice, and belief that “all men are created equal.” The America First Policy Institute’s (AFPI) Center for the American Dream will advance policies that enhance civil rights, human dignity, and the sanctity of life in order to ensure that all Americans have equal access and opportunity to achieve the American dream – from the womb to the tomb! 

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Dr. Alveda King Chair, Center for the American Dream

Dr. Alveda C. King is from Atlanta, Georgia, and serves as the Chair of the Center for the American Dream at AFPI. She is the daughter of the late slain civil rights activist Rev. A.D. King and the niece of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. King is the founder of Speak for Life, fighting for the sanctity and dignity of all life – from the womb to the tomb. She currently serves as a Fox News contributor and host of the Fox Nation show “Alveda King’s House.” Dr. King is a former college professor, served in the Georgia State House of Representatives, is a former presidential appointee, and a 2021 recipient of the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award. 

“I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream. I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: 'We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.”

Martin Luther King, JR.

Dr. Chris Leader Chief Advisor, Center for the American Dream

Dr. Chris Leader is from Atlanta, Georgia, and serves as the Chief Advisor for the Center for the American Dream at AFPI. He is also the Executive Director of Speak for Life and Chief of Staff to Dr. Alveda King. In addition to his work with the pro-life community, Chris serves as the President of Kids Against Hunger and Ignite Outreach, where he seeks to empower human dignity around the world. 

“Start by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.”

Francis of Assisi

Rob Pacienza Senior Fellow, Center for the American Dream

Rob Pacienza is from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and serves as a Senior Fellow in the Center for the American Dream at AFPI. He is also the Senior Pastor of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Fort Lauderdale, founded by Dr. D. James Kennedy. Pacienza grew up under the ministry of Dr. Kennedy and was mentored by him throughout high school and college. He graduated from Samford University with a BA in religion and from Knox Seminary with a master’s in divinity. He is currently pursuing his doctorate at the Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Pacienza’s doctorate project will focus on developing a discipleship plan that prepares the Church to recapture its prophetic voice in the public square. He has a passion for seeing the Church equip gospel-centered, culture-shaping Christians who build the city of God in the midst of the city of man. Pacienza is married to Jennifer, and they have two children, Preston and Lydia.

“But a Constitution of Government once changed from Freedom, can never be restored. Liberty once lost is lost forever.”

John Adams

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