Robert Dez Freeman inspires community action at Missoula's Martin Luther King celebration

The spirit of unity and action took center stage at the Missoula MLK Jr. Day celebration on January 15, 1992, as community leaders emphasized the importance of collective effort in combating oppression. The event, themed "United We Cannot Be Divided," highlighted the ongoing relevance of Martin Luther King Jr.'s teachings in today's society.

A key moment came when a speaker urged attendees to take personal responsibility for change, stating, "We can't wait for our government to do it. We have to do it ourselves because oppression lives, and we must get rid of it." This call to action resonated throughout the gathering, encouraging participants to contribute to local efforts, including a donation drive for the Missoula Food Bank.

Robert Dez Freeman, a prominent voice at the event, delivered a powerful message about the legacy of Dr. King. He challenged the audience to reflect on their commitment to King's dream, asking, "Do you have a dream? And do you share that same dream that Dr. King had?" Freeman stressed that keeping King's vision alive requires daily dedication, not just annual remembrance.

Freeman also addressed pressing social issues, including the lack of representation in history education and the ongoing struggles against violence and drug abuse. He urged the community to recognize the interconnectedness of various social justice issues, stating, "It's not just the black-white situation. It's the woman-male situation. It's the older-younger situation."

The event concluded with a reminder of the collective responsibility to continue the fight for equality and justice, echoing Dr. King's belief that America is a dream of unity among all people. As Freeman passionately declared, "I will continue to struggle... and I hope that you would do the same." The gathering served not only as a tribute to Dr. King's legacy but also as a rallying cry for ongoing activism and community engagement.