January 16, 2014

 

Contacts:

Tammy Rea, Diversity Center Coordinator, at tammy.rea@msubillings.edu or 896-5902
University Relations, 657-2269

 

Coach Herman Boone, the inspiration behind the film “Remember the Titans” will be in Billings as part of MSU Billings’ annual Power of One Week honoring the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.

 

Events run from Jan. 20-25; includes special showing of “Remember the Titans"

 

MSU BILLINGS NEWS SERVICES — Paying homage to the lessons of history and honoring the power of an individual to make a difference, the faculty, staff and students at Montana State University Billings will use events surrounding Martin Luther King Jr. Day next week as a springboard for greater understanding and change. 

 

Coach Herman Boone

 Emphasizing that “Change Starts with One,” organizers of the annual week of reflection and action have scheduled a series of special presentations, art, expression and service to honor the work and legacy of the famous civil rights leader.   

 

 “While Martin Luther King’s legacy was written decades ago, we are still marching on and toward his dream,” said Tammy Rea, Diversity Center Coordinator and one of the organizers of the weeklong event. “The Power of One event is intended to inspire each individual to seek out ways to be agents of change. Imagine if we all did one thing to make our communities a better place for everyone. The chance would be miraculous.” 

 

 For more than two decades, MSU Billings has sponsored the national bell ringing ceremony held at Peaks to Plains Park. The week concludes on Saturday, Jan. 25 with a university-led service project.

 

One of the highlights of the week will be a special appearance by the high school football coach portrayed in the film, “Remember the Titans,” on Tuesday evening following the showing of the movie in Petro Theatre. 


 Coach Herman Boone—portrayed by acclaimed actor Denzel Washington in the 2000 film—gained national notoriety for accomplishments on and off the field in leading the desegregation of his Virginia school’s football team in the 1970s. 

 

 The events are coordinated by a coalition of faculty, staff and students. Groups involved in planning include the Office of Community Involvement, the Residence Hall Association, the Office of American Indian Outreach, Diversity Center, the Student Activities Board and Associated Students of Montana State University Billings.

 

 Following are highlights of the events:

 

Monday, January 20 — Martin Luther King Jr. Ceremony
9:50 a.m. / Peaks to Plains Park: National Bell Ringing Ceremony begins at Peaks to Plains Park at the MSU Billings four-year campus, 1500 University Drive. Following the bell ringing, participants are invited to proceed to the Student Union Building for other ceremonies and the annual MLK Day program. Guest speaker is Eran Thompson, who has been active in the Not in Our Town organization, and will recite one of King’s speeches.

 

Monday, January 20 — Rev. Dr. Gerald L. Durley Presentation
10:30 a.m. / SUB Atrium: As student government president at Tennessee State University, the Rev. Dr. Gerald Durley became active in the civil rights movement and assisted in the founding of the Afro-American Cultural Organization. He went on to become one of the first Peace Corps volunteers to enter Nigeria. Read more about his commitments to civil rights in the attached bio. 

 

Tuesday, January 21, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Potter’s Guild, Student Union Building Atrium. Make a pottery bowl to raise money for Angela’s Piazza, a local nonprofit women’s support center.

 

Tuesday, January 21, 12:15 p.m.
Global Connections, College of Business Rm. 163
Diversity Initiative Group will discuss MLK’s historical significance with International Studies students.

Tuesday, January 21, 6 p.m.
Film Screening of "Remember the Titans" in Petro Theatre followed by a lecture from guest speaker coach Herman Boone.

Wednesday, January 22, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Potter’s Guild, Student Union Building Atrium
Make a pottery bowl to raise money for Angela’s Piazza, a local nonprofit women’s support center.

Wednesday, January 22, 12 - 2 p.m.
Faculty Forum, Student Union Building, Beartooth Room
Dr. Jeff Sanders, Dr. Jennifer Scroggins, Dr. Jennifer Lynn
12:00-12:40: Dr. Sanders: Oppression and stereotypes in Native American issues
12:40-2:00:  Dr. Jennifer Scroggins and Dr. Jennifer Lynn: Women & Equality: The Status of Women in Montana

Wednesday, January 22, 7 - 9 p.m.
Tunnel of Oppression, Student Union Building, Petro Hall
Interactive event that highlights contemporary issues of oppression.

Thursday, January 23, 7 p.m.
Step Up/Bystander Intervention, Student Union Building, Petro Theatre
Learn the needed skills to take action in making change within your community.

Friday, January 24, 10 a.m.
The Power of 1 Volunteer, Beartooth Facilitator: Curt Kochner
Change starts with one volunteer.

Saturday, January 25, 9:30 a.m.
Service Saturday, SUB Atrium

For more information on “The Power of One” events at MSU Billings, contact Tammy Rea at tammy.rea@msubillings.edu or 896-5902. To find out more about the Service Saturday project, contact Kathy Kotecki in the Office for Community Involvement at 657-1660 or at kkotecki@msubillings.edu.

 Visit www.msubillings.edu/diversity.

 

 Get Power of One Week poster

 

PHOTO ABOVE: 1) Coach Herman Boone; 2) Martin Luther King Jr.