8/24/05

A bronze plaque memorializing the State Bar of Michigan 30th Michigan Legal Milestone, Freedom Road, was dedicated August 16, 2005 at Southwestern Michigan College in Dowagiac. State Bar President Nancy Diehl and speakers (left to right) Roosevelt Thomas, Hon. Dennis Archer, Senator Ron Jelinek, Dr. Michelle Johnson, Professor Debian Marty and Cordell Jones presented an inspiring program that focused on how the residents of Cass County rallied to protect runaway slaves in the Kentucky Raid of 1847 and its implications for society today. More than 140 people attended the event that was organized by the Bar's Public Outreach Committee.

(Photo by Michael M. Smith)