Rashad Rayford, an alumnus of Alabama A&M University, is poised to bring a historical icon to life as he takes on the role of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Katori Hall’s acclaimed play “The Mountaintop.” Set to run from Feb. 14 to 23 at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center, the production offers a reimagining of Dr. King’s final night at the Lorraine Motel in 1968, before his assassination.
Rayford is a Nashville native who graduated from Alabama A&M in 2003 with a degree in industrial technology. He fondly remembers how his time on campus ignited his passion for performance. “My confidence and ability to communicate effectively were seeded at Alabama A&M University,” Rayford reflected. He attributes his growth in public speaking to various campus organizations such as The Poetry Club and the William Hooper Council Oratorical Society.
Through his involvement with Dramatic Expressions, AAMU’s campus acting group, Rayford developed a strong foundation in improvisation and theatrical performance. Since then, he has built a career that spans over twenty years, with credits including national commercials, independent films, and theater productions. His latest film, Clone Cops, recently premiered on Prime Video, showcasing his versatility as an artist.
Rayford is not just an accomplished actor but also a keynote speaker, author, and poet. He founded Elevate Your Vibe, a company combining storytelling, business insights, and spoken word to assist organizations in refining their messaging. His storytelling prowess earned him national acclaim when he won the MOTH GrandSLAM Championship in 2019, captivating audiences with his performance piece “A Fish Out of Water.”
As Rayford prepares to step into the shoes of one of America’s most revered civil rights leaders, he carries the lessons learned and experiences from his time at AAMU.