Congressman John B. Larson Delivers Rousing Keynote Address at MLK Jr. Day Celebration

January 21, 2008

HARTFORD--A capacity crowd turned out at the Goodwin Hotel to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by helping a remarkable assembly of students from the Hartford and Bridgeport areas realize the dream of higher education.

Attorney General Richard Blumenthal and Secretary of State Susan Bysiewicz kicked off the festivities with inspiring words that reflected upon the Dr. King's life, work and sacrifice in the area of civil and human rights. Afterwards, each of the Collins Foundation, Inc.'s Power of One scholarship recipients pledged to honor Dr. King's legacy by dedicating themselves to some form of public service upon completing their college educations.

Congressman John B. Larson's stirring keynote address focused on this year's theme, "The Power of One: Commitment, Challenge and Change." After speaking to Dr. King's life and legacy, Congressman Larson noted that one of the most important aspects of Dr. King's legacy was his setting the simple example that "one person--with one dream--can change the world."

Congressman Larson's keynote address was followed by the presentation of the Foundation's Power of One Community Services Awards. This year's recipients, Vouise Fonville from the Department of Children and Family Services, Margie Powell from the Bridgeport Child Advocacy Coalition, and Carolyn Hebsgaard of the Lawyers Collaborative for Diversity were all recognized for being inspiring agents of change in our community.