The Retort

Community Members Ring in Power of One Week

January 28th, 2011 by Heather Wilson For The Retort

It may have been pouring freezing rain, but the warmth of diversity filled the hearts of those crowded around the bell at Montana State University Billings Peaks to Plains Park the morning of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day to kick off the coming day’s events for the annual Power of One Week. Students, staff, faculty, administration, community members, and elected officials were all in attendance as the bell was rung and multiple speeches were given. Representatives of the community, young and old, spoke about their personal experiences with volunteerism, and how they carry out Martin Luther King, Jr.’s message of service. One of these speakers was MSUB Student United Way president Kelsie Johnson. Perhaps the most memorable of all the visitors was a fourth grader from Park City, who told the audience how important volunteering is to her.

The state’s Lieutenant Governor, John Bohlinger, flew down from Helena to attend the ceremony. He spoke about how relevant the words of Martin Luther King, Jr. are to everyone today, and that even at a young age, he made a remarkable impact on the world, and especially his country. Bohlinger also talked about how “the good reverend sought to honor the dignity instilled in all of us, to be a bridge, leading by example in spite of being jailed numerous times and beaten down for what he believed in.”

Staff members from the offices of United States Senators Max Baucus and Jon Tester, as well as from Representative Denny Rehberg’s offices, gave testimony at the ceremony as well. Afterwards, volunteers helped make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches that were delivered to the HUB downtown for the homeless population of Billings. Other Power of One Week events included a candlelight vigil, the Wall of Hate presentation by Mohammed Bilal, equality timeline, Service Saturday, and many more. Power of One week celebrates the life and achievements of the great Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.