Bermudian Honoured By NY Mayor Bill de Blasio
Bermudian motivational speaker Dennis Rahiim Watson recently celebrated four decades of activism, and was honoured by New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio.
During a reception attended by a host of friends, supporters, clergy, politicians and colleagues, Mr. Watson gave thanks to all those supporters who have offered wisdom, guidance and direction to his career.
New York Mayor Bill de Blasio, presented Mr. Watson with a Proclamation on behalf of 8.5 million New Yorkers for his tireless efforts to reduce gun violence.
The Proclamation states, “Where as a great city is only as great as those organizations and individuals that perform exemplary service on behalf of their community.
“And where as, that the Mayor of New York, joins those gathered tonight in recognizing and paying tribute to Dennis Rahiim Watson for his four decades of leadership and his tireless efforts to stop gun violence among black men in the five boroughs of New York. Where as, Youth Activist, Motivational Speaker and Chairman of the National Youth and Gang Violence Task Force, Dennis Rahiim Watson, has used his many gifts and talents to raise awareness nationwide about the deadly consequences throughout the City, State and Nation.
“And where as, Watson has delivered his powerful message of self-respect, personal responsibility and concern for others by visiting high schools, correctional facilities, juvenile detention centers, colleges and universities and domestic violence centers offering hope and inspiration.
“Where as, Dennis Rahiim Watson has received tremendous positive feedback from every major black organization in New York for the hundreds of seminars and workshops on conflict resolution, forgiveness and respect for life. Where as, Watson has overcome extraordinary challenges since his student days at Harlem Preparatory School, Fordham University, Pace University and New York University.
“And in spite of all, he continues to work selflessly on his mission to protect Black and Latino males from gun violence, incarceration, crime, injury, ignorance and death; May it hear by be resolved that I, Bill de Blasio, Mayor of the City of New York, recognize Dennis Rahiim Watson as a leader in the effort to stop youth violence and for his contribution to the safety and prosperity of our great City.”
Mr. Watson stated, that by the grace of God he could very well this day be in prison or even dead if not for having a supportive father, wonderful uncles and hundreds of strong male figures and big brother types who kept him in check during his adolescent years.
Mr. Watson said, “I am forever thankful, Watson stated, to such Bermudian icons as Dr. Pauulu Kamarakafego/Dr. Roosevelt Brown, Alma “Champ” Hunt, Lloyd James, Earl Gabby Hart, Ivan Clarke, Mansfield Brock, Albert Jackson, Ottiwell Simmons and Walter Robinson.
“Having attended the Prospect Secondary for Boys back in the late 60’s gave me a clear understanding of the struggles that young black males go through to prove that they are worthwhile and valuable and as a result of that experience it help me to resolve conflicts and it also taught me self-discipline enough to survive four decades in New York City.
Mr. Watson continued, “I often ask myself where would I be as I travel throughout the USA, the Caribbean and Africa, speaking to heads of government about strategies to reduce crime and gun violence among black males without the wisdom that I got during my elementary school days from teachers Misses Dorothy Tatem, Gaynelle Robinson, Dalton Tucker and Dr. Dorothy Thompson.”
“When I meet with gang leaders throughout the country they cannot give me an intelligent reason for the senseless taking of innocent lives and after attending hundreds of funerals for young black males I am 100% convinced that no one has the right to be judge, jury or executioner.
“Only during my prison visits do I get the opportunity to hear the remorse and sorrow from young men who are serving life sentences and who in retrospect wish that they could relive and take back the pain and suffering that their actions have caused mothers and fathers, grandmothers and grandfathers, aunts and uncles, brothers and sisters, teachers and loved ones.”
Mr. Watson added, “I dedicate my life to my mother Eula Watson and my grandmothers Mrs’. Margaret Outerbridge Watson and Florence Daniels for all the hundreds of life lessons they taught me in the home and during Sunday School for my own protection, safety and survival.
“I am alarmed that we have a generation that is armed and ready to shoot, injure and kill at the first sign of disrupt, a simple slight or a perceived beef,” continued Mr. Watson.
“The major challenges facing the black family today, outside of unemployment, income inequality and the rampant rise of fatherlessness, is the non-stop violent language that we use in our daily communication with each other.
“We have a generation of young black males who are plugged in 24/7 to social media – Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and IPods that carry music that promotes a thug mentality and a gang culture to our young sons and daughters”, stated Watson.
“In spite of all gun violence that takes place, I am optimistic by all the wonderful students that I see at elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, colleges and universities nationwide who are trying to make a difference.
Upon reflecting over the four decades of achievement, Mr. Watson stated that he is eternally grateful for the contributions of his father Arthur Daniels and his mentor Dr. Pauulu Kamarakafego.
Congratulation Dennis…(Another Bermuda Technical Institute graduate) Dennis you’ve become such an inspiration to countless, as well as a mentor to others. Keep up the good work mate.
A Prophet is not without Honor but in his own Country !!!!!!!!!!!!
well done dennis some of you may not remember but dennis went to school in Bermuda at church hill boys school in prospect
Ya and then left Bermuda because of de Oligarchy System, don’t leave out dat part !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!