William B. Henry, the keynote speaker, will lead discussions on the efforts of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and other activists. Henry emphasized the importance of these conversations taking place at a university setting because it opens up dialogue between people with different backgrounds.
BILLINGS, Mont. – Despite freezing temperatures, MSU Billings is hosting a day of remembrance and service for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Most activities have been moved indoors to Petro Theater and the Student Union Center.
William B. Henry, the keynote speaker, will lead discussions on the efforts of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and other activists. Henry emphasized the importance of these conversations taking place at a university setting because it opens up dialogue between people with different backgrounds.
“Doctor King was not only important for black American history he was important for American history. He led some of the most attended marches ever, he fought for civil rights, he fought for all people. So I think it’s important that people understand his history and his impact on our society,” Henry said.
Henry also reflected on the broader impact of Dr. King’s work. “People need to understand this is not just for one ethnicity or one cultural background, I mean this had an impact on American history, not just black history. So, I just think people need to come out and understand I think it helped to widen their lens about why some of the things are happening even today in our world I think people just will get a greater understanding of the impact of the work that doctor King did,” he said.
MSU Billings has been ringing its bell since the early 2000s to honor all civil rights leaders and their commitment to social justice. This tradition highlights the university’s cultural diversity.
Speakers will lead conversations on how to continue making changes inspired by Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech. The bell ringing will start in Petro Theater at 9:30 a.m.
After the speeches, community members will volunteer with United Way of Yellowstone County in the Glacier Room.
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