Northern remembers, honors Martin Luther King Jr.

At Montana State University-Northern, community members gathered to remember the man who helped America achieve the level of civil justice it has today.

Cristina Estrada-Underwood, the director of diversity awareness and multicultural programs at the university, spoke to those gathered in the Student Union Building Ballroom Monday.

"Why should we remember the legacy of Martin Luther King? Why is this day so important," Estrada-Underwood asked. " ... Dr. Martin Luther King helped put an end to segregation. Thanks to him, we live in a country that respects diversity. Thanks to him, we don't live around businesses that have signs that say no colored, no Mexicans, no dogs."

She added that King was so important because he inspired many others to push for equality in other areas, like in the Chicano movement.

"Perhaps America is a work in progress, but in the last decade, there has been significant progress," she said.

King's famous "I Have A Dream" speech was played before the crowd and then Estrada-Underwood asked if anyone would like to speak. Kaitlyn Boucher of "The Girls" stood to speak to those gathered.

Local artist group "The Girls" had completed an art project for the day of remembrance. For the project, they created pieces of art based on a culturally diverse word inspired by King's famous speech. Vince Woodwick, who instructs and organized the girls, said they created more than 40 pieces for the day, some of which were in the lobby in front of the ballroom.

LaVon Myers, a MSU-Northern admissions recruiter, spoke as well.

"The power of the voice of Dr. King inspired so that 50 years later his ideas are still a source of inspiration for people who seek peace and justice," Myers said. " ... Dr. King is a true patriot because he loved America so much, he wanted to make America better for all citizens."