Alabama A&M University alumnus Rashad Rayford is set to bring history to life as he takes on the role of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in “The Mountaintop,” running February 14–23 at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center in Nashville.
Written by Katori Hall, “The Mountaintop” is a gripping reimagining of Dr. King’s final night at the Lorraine Motel before his assassination in 1968. The play has captivated audiences worldwide, and now, Rayford is honored to step into the legendary role.
A Nashville native, Rayford graduated from Alabama A&M University in 2003 with a degree in industrial technology. But it was on The Hill that he first discovered his love for performance.
“My confidence and ability to communicate effectively were seeded at Alabama A&M University,” Rayford shares. “I make a living talking, and that was definitely fostered at A&M through The Poetry Club, the William Hooper Council Oratorical Society, Dramatic Expressions, and “The Beat” TV show.”
Through Dramatic Expressions, AAMU’s campus acting group, Rayford honed his craft in improv, laying the foundation for his career. With over 20 years of experience, Rayford has built an impressive résumé, appearing in national commercials, independent films, and live theater productions. His latest film, “Clone Cops,” was recently released on Prime Video.
But Rayford’s talents extend beyond acting. He is also a keynote speaker, author, and poet, as well as the founder of Elevate Your Vibe, a company that blends storytelling, business insights, and spoken word to help companies refine their messaging.
Rayford’s storytelling skills have earned him national recognition. In 2019, he won the prestigious MOTH GrandSLAM Championship, performing his winning piece, “A Fish Out of Water,” in front of a packed audience at Oz Arts in Nashville.
“There were 10 other storytellers, all past winners, competing in the finals,” Rayford recalls. “The entire MOTH team from New York came down – it was a big deal. I didn’t fully grasp the significance until I traveled and people recognized the title. It was surreal.”
Despite his busy schedule, Rayford remains committed to sharing his expertise with the next generation. He hopes to return to Alabama A&M to lead workshops in communication and acting.
Reflecting on his time at AAMU, he credits mentors like Pharaoh Smith, Vivian Long, and Gerald Vines for shaping his journey. “I loved my time on The Hill. The lifelong relationships I built there are invaluable.”
