Helena Mayor Wilmot Collins Shares Refugee Journey in New Book, Inspiring Others
Wilmot Collins, the Mayor of Helena, Montana, is sharing his life story, from Liberian refugee to the first Black mayor in Montana history, through a new book titled 'Run: The Wilmot Collins Story.' Collins arrived in Helena 32 years ago, fleeing civil war in Liberia, and never anticipated his journey would become a source of inspiration. He emphasizes that the book's goal is not personal recognition or politics, but to demonstrate the possibilities that can emerge from hardship and the significant contributions refugees make to their adopted communities. Collins credits Helena for shaping his life after his arrival, stating, 'Helena raised me.' His path involved navigating different cultures and developing resilience. Author and filmmaker Daniel Blake Smith, who learned about Collins during his U.S. Senate campaign, collaborated on the book, which is also slated for a film adaptation. Smith describes Collins' story as a 'classic story of an ordinary person doing extraordinary things,' highlighting his wil...
