Marking the iconic stand taken by Rosa Parks
The 70th anniversary of the iconic stand taken by Rosa Parks, which led to the historic Montgomery Bus Boycott in Alabama against racial segregation on public transport, will be marked on Monday in Hamilton.
The one-hour event at St Paul AME Church Hall, starting at 12.30pm, will feature diverse presentations from the community.
Glenn Fubler of Imagine Bermuda said it would honour the late civil rights activist’s legacy.
“It’s about community, it’s about those aspects of society that have to be reinforced and recreated so we enhance our community, “he said.
He said Ms Parks decided to enhance her community in 1955 through her “simple action” by remaining on the bus when ordered to give up her seat.
Speaking at a ceremony at Hamilton City Hall yesterday, Mr Fubler said Ms Parks’s actions made a difference in the lives of people, not only in Montgomery but across the world, including Bermuda.
The organisers said within three years, in June 1959 “persons of conscience” in Bermuda accepted the “proverbial torch” passed on by Ms Parks when the Progressive Group secretly formed to foster a better community.
It resulted in the Theatre Boycott, which toppled segregation in businesses across the island.
Ten young people were this week recognised for exemplifying the ethos of the late US civil rights activist in spite of personal challenges.
Imagine Bermuda held two ceremonies to celebrate the 70th anniversary of Ms Parks’s iconic protest — when she refused to give up her bus seat for a White man and confronted the country’s racist Jim Crow laws.
Mr Fubler kicked off the anniversary with the Butterfly Effect Awards at City Hall in Hamilton on Wednesday.
The youngsters were celebrated for overcoming adversities to better themselves and their communities.
Mr Fubler told attendees that the theme of growth in young people was relevant to the anniversary because Ms Parks “recognised that the development of young people was so important”.
Kristin White, an activist and entrepreneur, told the crowd that she overcame challenges such as a teenage pregnancy and academic difficulties to become the woman she was today.
Ms White, the keynote speaker, reminded attendees that they were not defined by their mistakes, saying: “There is a moment where that is no longer a part of your story.”
Ms White explained: “Some of us get dealt a hand of cards and the cards are set against us.
“When people see me, I don’t think they think of me by the worst parts of my life. I’m not the sum of my mistakes.
“I don’t know what you did to get the nomination and I don’t need to know. I am proud of you because you are a young person in this country when it is tough to be a young person.”
Nekesha Holdipp, an education officer, said the event was meant to celebrate young people who “defied the odds” and to remind them of their value.
She said: “It’s not always about the academics — it’s about your character, which allows you to shape society you live in.”
Ms Holdipp also thanked parents for their support in their children’s lives.
At the event on Monday, Puisne Judge Juan Wolffe will give a talk on social justice as well as the bus boycott and its implications in Bermuda.
Mr Fubler said Ms Parks held a deep a passion for supporting youth, with several young Bermudians to make presentations.
Lisa Reed, executive director of the Bermuda Human Rights Commission, said the iconic 1955 signified that “real change begins with ordinary people”.
Ms Reed said: “Rosa Parks’s quiet efforts sparked a global movement for dignity and equality.
“Here in Bermuda, the Progressive Group’s leadership in 1959 broke the back of segregation and showed what is possible when people stand together for justice.
“Their actions reminds us that courage is not loud — instead, it is principled and it is necessary.”
Ms Reed added: “Protection of human rights is not the work of a few, it is the work of all of us.
“So I offer this call of action to speak up, challenge discrimination.
“Stand for the right of every person, even when it feels uncomfortable.
“The courage we show today will determine where we go next.”
LaGregg Smith, a youth mentor, urged stakeholders to support the island’s youth.
“We know the difficulties, we know the things they are dealing with and going through at this time, but they need our support,” he said.
Aaron Crichlow, of Bermuda Is Love, called on residents to show love and respect for each other “in all that we do”.
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