EAST LANSING - A special event recently took place at the East Lansing Hannah Community Center, located at 819 Abbot Road.

The event was open to the public, and hosted by the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission of Mid-Michigan, in recognition of the 55th anniversary of the Selma marches that advocated for voting rights and passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Joanne Bland, a civil rights activist and co-founder of the National Voting Rights Museum in Selma, Alabama was the special guest speaker. She herself was involved in the Selma Marches when she was in her youth and spoke about her experiences with discrimination, as well as civil and voting rights.

There was also a Q & A session along with Elaine Hardy, The Chairperson for the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission of Mid-Michigan. Bland did speak with HOMTV to give some wisdom to people who could not attend the event.

Bland says, "You can't hold animosity in your heart. It slows you down. The other person has gone on with their life happy and your ever there hating them, that's stupid. I learn that a long time ago. Let it go."

Bland is also the founder of Journey for the soul, a touring agency specializing in civil rights tour guided by heroes who participate in the fight for voting rights.