*Q2 Mobile News

Message of freedom rings in Billings

Posted: Jan 18, 2010 5:44 PM by Amanda Venegas
Updated: Jan 18, 2010 5:44 PM

BILLINGS - Monday, marks the 24th year that the life of Martin Luther King has been celebrated as a national holiday. Special events in several Montana cities today helped honor the slain civil rights leader.

In Billings, community members gathered at MSU-Billings this morning to take part in a national bell ringing ceremony. About 80 people listened to speeches from students and Lieutenant Governor John Bohlinger. One of the speakers said today was about honoring the life and work of Dr. King and spreading peace throughout the community. The Lieutenant Governor encouraged all Montanans to have the courage to speak out against injustice.

"I think that it's still awareness, being aware of diversity and justice. Montana we aren't that diverse of a state, but we still have our own diversity," AmeriCorps member Tabitha Fox said.

MSU-Billings will hold events all this week to celebrate Dr. King's life. On Thursday night, MSUB will sponsor a special talk with high school football Coach Herman Boone, whose coaching challenges were highlighted in the movie Remember the Titans.

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