This content was published: May 23, 2011. Phone numbers, email addresses, and other information may have changed.

One of Dr. King’s closest aides visits PCC

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Portland Community College is bringing a respected activist and civil rights leader to Portland. Reverend Samuel Billy Kyles’ talk, “A Bullet Can’t Kill A Dream,” will tour the college’s district, exploring Dr. Martin Luther King’s legacy and death. Rev. Kyles is one of four Dr. King’s closest aides who witnessed his murder.

Rev. Kyles will speak at 11 a.m., Monday, May 23, Oak, Elm and Fir rooms, College Center Building, Sylvania Campus (12000 S.W. 49th Ave.), and 7 p.m., Monday, May 23, Room 118, Building 2, Rock Creek Campus (17705 N.W. Springville Road); 2 p.m., Tuesday, May 24, Room 115, Building 2, Rock Creek; and 6 p.m., Wednesday, May 25, Auditorium, Moriarty Arts and Humanities Building, Cascade Campus, 705 N. Killingsworth St.).

Admission is free, but seating is limited at all venues. For general seating doors will open 30 minutes prior to each talk. American Sign Language interpretation will be available, but please request in advance.

Rev. Kyles was born in Shelby, Miss., in 1934. A longtime leader in the civil rights movement, Rev. Kyles has been pastor of the Monumental Baptist Church in Memphis, Tenn., since 1959. He has appeared in several television documentaries about the life and the assassination of Dr. King, and has toured the country extensively, speaking on King and his message. He has received many honors and awards, including the Tennessee Living Legend Award in 1992.

For more information, contact Kendi Esary at (503) 978-5781, or kesary@pcc.edu.

About James Hill

James G. Hill, an award-winning journalist and public relations writer, is the Director of Public Relations at Portland Community College. A graduate of Portland State University, James has worked as a section editor for the Newberg Graphic... more »