Column: Glenn Fubler On MLK-Inspired Event
[Written by Glenn Fubler]
The global community is experiencing some unprecedented challenges here in 2025, as evidenced by glimpsing any media source. Here in Bermuda, we have our own share of challenges, as evidenced by the three firearms incidents that occurred over a few days last week.
We agree with the Minister of National Security’s reminder that this is a matter for all of us in the village.
It is in the context of the global village that – this week and beyond – we reflect on Martin Luther King’s iconic speech of April 4, 1967, in which he issued a clarion call for a revolution of values given his Government’s devastating war against Vietnam.
In calling his nation – and the globe – to consider a renaissance, MLK asked for a transformation from a thing-oriented society to a people-oriented one. On Wednesday, April 2, 2025 from 7.00pm to 8.30pm, we are holding an interactive gathering at the BIU’s Ottiwell Simmons Building to engage in interactive dialogue, which will involve highlighting local initiatives which reflect the transformative spirit championed by MLK. This, after reflecting on a 30 minute video analysing King’s stand.
Ottiwell Simmons, who served as leader of the BIU for more than a decade, retired from that charge in the mid-90s. Upon retiring, he didn’t sit on his laurels, but went on as a champion for Age Concern, assisting fellow elders with the light repairs of their homes.
In guiding the dialogue, we will highlight the examples of green shoots already growing in Bermuda. These include, but by no means are limited to:
- Bermuda Is Love – Relatively younger people walking their talk in a variety of ways, staying consistent on social justice.
- Grateful Bread+ – A collective of community folks who assist challenged families and, on the other front, public schools; this with the goal of fostering a sense of solidarity across the community.
- XRoads F.C. – One example of our many sports club based in Devil’s Hole. XRoads – a relatively young club – most-recently won the First Division and has been recently announced as one of only three football clubs to have achieved FIFA’s ‘Licensed Club’ status. This without any reliance on the sale of alcohol and much evidence of their positive impact on their neighbourhood.
- Chewstick Foundation – This organization has sustained their efforts, in spite of setbacks, in promoting the arts, notably story-telling, spoken word, and music, amongst the upcoming generation. This with a commitment to social justice.
- Motion to Adjourn – A radio program over a number of years. Chris Famous of the PLP has collaborated with the OBA’s Dwayne Robinson, offering the potential of moving out of boxes.
The goal of the dialogue is to help leverage collaboration amongst the many grassroots efforts across the island to strengthen the fabric of our community.
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