WATCH: KRISTY PHILLIPS ADDRESSES CROWD IN NATIVE LANGUAGE
WATCH: DR. JOSEPH MOLD, BAY COLLEGE, ON MONDAY’S EVENT
A presentation on Civil Rights Leader Doctor Martin Luther King was held at Bay College Monday, with guest speakers talking about everything from gay rights to Native American rights to nonviolent civil disobedience.
Kristy Phillips from the Hannahville Indian Community was one of the guest speakers. She spoke about racism, forced colonization and social injustice, opening her remarks with a greeting in her Native language, followed by a presentation in English.
“We get kind of stuck in a certain way of looking at things,” Phillips told RRN News. “I’m hoping that today gave them a different perspective, and they were able to see things in a different way, so that we can start having conversations about how we come together, and overcome racism and prejudice and forced colonization.”
Another speaker was Bay’s Vice President for On-Line Learning, Joseph Mold, who protested when he was a college student.
“What we’re talking about today is the power of love over hate,” Mold said. “Standing up for what we know is right. Truth will always win in the end.”
It was one of several commemorations Monday across the Upper Peninsula to celebrate the peaceful message of King, who was assassinated 51 years ago.
In Marquette, Northern Michigan University students took part in a number of volunteer projects. There was also a discussion held Monday on Bay’s Iron Mountain campus.
U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) released the following statement in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day:
“As we honor Dr. King on this day with community service, let us remember how much he and his family sacrificed in the struggle for justice. One of the greatest lessons Dr. King taught us was that our country is at its strongest when we are united as one. In today’s uncertain times, it is critical – now more than ever – that we uphold Dr. King’s legacy of bridging gaps. We must strive to rise above divisiveness and bring those from all walks of life together to achieve Dr. King’s dream of greater opportunity for all.”
