Washington D.C. Mayor Mrs. Sharon Pratt Kelly has declared the day Dennis Rahim Watson Day.

The honour comes as the city celebrates the 30th anniversary of the famous march on Washington.

And yesterday Mr. Watson told The Royal Gazette : "This day belongs to all the Bermudians who are studying in America''.

Speaking from his New York office the motivational speaker who was kicked out of school numerous times, said: "My getting a day is not about Dennis Watson.

It's about those Bermudian students who keep coming to Howard University and other universities throughout America.

"By doing this we are breaking down walls so no Bermudian student can say they cannot do anything.

"This is a challenge to Bermudian students throughout America to keep the faith, make something out of their lives, and eventually have their day.

"If every dog doing nothing can have their day, than anybody doing something positive can have their day.'' Mr. Watson, who heads the National Black Youth Leadership Council in the US, has delivered many motivational messages at schools and universities in the capital, including at Howard and American University, and the only university for the deaf in the US -- Gollaudet.

As popular as rap stars are with American youngsters, the confident, but modest speaker said: "I'm basically a big brother.

"After they are pumped up from rap, I give them a sense of direction, ideals, and maturity.'' Mr. Watson is scheduled to address more than 4,000 youth leaders, parents, and community activists at the international banquet of The Martin Luther King Jr.

Holiday Commission's Sixth Annual National Youth Assembly today.

And he said his message will deal with the "abc's of leadership, empowerment, community services, and a tribute to the late American civil rights leader Dr.

Martin Luther King -- who started the march on Washington.

"We're going to challenge students to find the good in the lives of Malcolm X, Dr. Martin Luther King, and their mothers and fathers, and to praise it and incorporate it in their own lifestyles.

"We will ask them to postpone gratification, such as buying cars, shoes, and other material things, and urge them to get some skills and education first.'' Mr. Watson, who has taken his inspiring message freely to 50 percent of his audiences, has also spread his words of wisdom in Bermuda. In April he was guest speaker at the PRIDE conference, and on his most recent trip home last month, Mr. Watson spoke at all of the prisons.

Giving thanks to Mrs. Nadine Dyer, wife of Prisons Commissioner Mr. Edward Dyer, for arranging the prison visits he said: "If we're going to change Bermuda, all of us have to be busy making the most out of life and giving something back.

"I am so committed to making a difference because I was told I would not amount to anything over and over again.'' Mr. Watson, who earlier this year received a letter of encouragement from Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan on behalf of Bermuda for his work, has also been recognised by former US President Mr. George Bush and other US mayors and governors.