As part of the prelude to the dedication of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, The Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project Foundation hosted the "Women Who Dare to Dream" luncheon to honor women civil rights leaders. This part of the two-part luncheon included a reading from poet Maya Angelou, business leaders' remarks, and Foundation President Harold Johnson's comments about the postponement of the August 28, 2011, dedication of Reverend King's monument because of Hurricane Irene.