Harvey shared with the Dreamers the time he wrote an essay about wanting to be on television. Harvey’s teacher told him that was impossible and “do you see anybody who looks like you on TV,” referring to Harvey being African American.
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“After leaving that session, I felt like I had no excuse to give up,” Parker said. “To hear somebody I had seen on TV be honest about the struggle as well as the work that it took and how he did it was life changing for me.”
Since his stint at Disney Dreamers Academy, Parker has graduated from the University of Southern California. He was accepted into the leadership development program at DisneyLand Resort and works in the Guest Services department as a Manager. In his spare time, Parker continues to give inspirational speeches to youth in schools and educational organizations.
“Sometimes, when African Americans think and see Disney, we don’t necessarily see ourselves both on-screen and behind the scenes. Disney Dreamers Academy revolutionized that for me,” Parker explained. “I needed to see people who are not only where I want to be who look like me, but I needed to see people who are where I am who I identify with. That’s what Dreamers Academy does.”
To apply for Disney Dreamers Academy, high school students ages 13 to 19 must register online HERE.
Applications are accepted through Oct. 31, 2016.