Community Honours Local Trailblazers
On Monday [Jan 20], representatives from social justice groups, family and friends of honourees, and students joined at City Hall to commemorate MLK Day while celebrating three inspiring Bermudian figures.
A spokesperson said, “On Monday reps from social justice community, along with family and friends of Honourees and students from Saltus, Somersfield and Warwick gathered at the foyer of City Hall.
“Glenn Fubler made the introduction: In the spirit of “Thinking Globally and Acting Locally” this Media Conference – a collaboration involving Bermuda Is Love, Chewstick, CURB, Imagine Bermuda and Social Justice Bermuda – is observing MLK Day, while highlighting 3 local honourees.
“He went on: It is fortuitous that MLK Day is falling on the dawning of the Ceasefire which will at least temporarily pause the brutally inhumane circumstances facing -especially children – in Gaza; circumstances which led the I.C.J. to issue Warrants for Arrest. This, as well as the exchange of some hostages.
“MLK considered sacred; the lives of All – especially children; whether from Vietnam, America, Israel, Palestine – or where-ever. That was made evident exactly one year before his brutal assassination, when he courageously spoke truth to power, encouraging American young people to refuse to be drafted to fight in a war involving the ‘carpet bombing’ of thousands of Vietnamese children.
“On the local front this MLK Day, we are highlighting the contributions to our Island community, by:
“Lynn Winfield highlighted the late- Edwin Skinner:
- “The late- Edwin Skinner a white educator who had retired as a principal of Cavendish School in 1944, in response to parental requests, took in black children -shut out of secondary educational opportunities by segregation, into his home to teach. Skinner’s act of solidarity gained traction; leading Skinner School having to make use of the original Elliott School. They subsequently adopted the name Howard Academy before Skinner died suddenly in 1951. Edward DeJean fortunately stood-in and carried that ‘torch’ forward.
- “Glenn Fubler highlighted Molly Burgess..then the “Peace Collective
- “Helena “Molly” Burgess is the retired General Secretary of the Bermuda Industrial Union. After attending Sandy’s Secondary she gained employment in the hospitality industry as a maid, prior to that industry being unionized. ‘Molly’ became involved as the union movement evolved, eventually assuming the role as Chief Shop Steward at Elbow Beach Hotel . She soon was elected to serve as the Secretary of the BIU’s Hospitality Division and in a short time became the Assistant Secretary General of the whole Union and secured the full-time role as Organizer for hospitality. By 1983 this mother of five children was elected as the BIU’s General Secretary; a post of longtime service as one of the relatively few women labour leaders.
- “The “Peace Collective” was formed in October 2023 following the response to Gaza crisis which the “World Court” described – after a hearing – as Plausible Genocide. The group of mostly younger people – of various faiths – were influenced by MLK’s legacy which reflects his North Star – an unwavering commitment to Peace and Justice; aware that these ‘two’ conditions, are ‘joined at the hip’.
“As MLK was a transformational global figure, we take this opportunity to share plans for the MLK/ Roslyn Williams Young People’s Awards. Soon local youth will be invited to reflect on MLK’s historic Invitation – with timeless import – that this icon made during a speech in April 1967. Further details will be forthcoming.”
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Why are they celebrating an American holiday
This could be celebrated in recognition of a Bermudian or a resident who impacted the lives of Bermudians.
The average American doesn’t give a flying fff about Bermudians