Bermudian speaker Dennis Rahiim Watson was honoured last week by the US Congress.

Chairman of the National Youth and Gang Violence Taskforce and President and CEO of the Center for Black Student Achievement, Mr. Watson was recognised in the House of Representatives by Congressman Charles Rangel for the 26th anniversary of his one man show, 'The First Black President of the United States.'

Mr. Rangel, the representative of the Upper Manhattan area of New York and a co-founder of the Congressional Black Caucus, praised Mr. Watson's impact on the community.

"Since 1982, Mr. Watson, a Bermuda born and Harlem raised former actor comedian, has made a major contribution for over a quarter of a century to black and white youths of America. He has inspired, motivated and challenged over five million youth and adults alike with his one-man show.

"His success is a testament to the historic and tireless commitment to bringing African-American youth the vision, the hope and the dream that an African-American could become President in our lifetime before anyone knew it was remotely possible."

Since beginning to tour as a speaker, Mr. Watson has lectured at more than 1,000 colleges and universities throughout the United States, Africa, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. He has been honoured with more than 300 awards.

He has also been honoured by President Barack Obama, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and former President Bill Clinton.

He has been named one of the 50 best Black Speakers in the US, and this summer he was named a hero by the New York City Council.