The New York City borough of Manhattan last week honoured Bermudian motivational speaker Dennis Rahiim Watson with one of its highest honours.

Manhattan Borough president Scott Stringer declared December 23 "Dennis Rahiim Watson Day" in honour of his "Keep the Peace/Stop the Violence" campaign.

The programme, which can be found in the city's five boroughs, challenges young black men to resolve conflicts peacefully.

Mr. Stringer read a declaration celebrating Mr. Watson for his inspiring "countless" young people with his chairmanship of the US's National Youth and Gang Violence Taskforce and the groundbreaking "Black on Black Love/Stop The Violence Campaign".

Mr. Watson has spread his youth empowerment and neighbourhood enrichment message to more than a thousand community organisations, including the NAACP, the US Conference of Black Mayors, the Urban League and the US Governor's Association.

Mr. Watson said during the ceremony: "I accept this honour in tribute to two Black women, Miss Sadie Mitchell, a ninety-two year old Bronx, New York senior citizen shot and killed recently by a 18 year old with an illegal hand gun.

"Her death should make all African Americans feel ashamed because silence and cowardice is killing Black people on a daily basis.

"I also take this opportunity to honour Mrs. Dorothy Tatem, 95 years old, my Ord Road school teacher-whose love, support and encouragement have kept me grounded, safe and successful in the war zones of America for over 30 years."

He added that the "number one issue facing black men in the United States and the Caribbean – a population that has been abandoned, ignored and neglected by their fathers, politicians and communities for decades.

"Millions of dollars that are wasted each and every day must be invested to save Black men from internal strife, genocide, self-destructive behaviour, hopelessness and anger fuelled by lack of opportunity, unemployment, low expectations, low self-esteem and poor education."

"I am concerned that we are creating a generation of future home-ground terrorists if the anger, hostility, bitterness and sense of rejection are not addressed immediately.

"For over 20 years, I have visited many of the major prisons and correctional facilities, elementary schools, high schools, colleges and universities throughout the United States.

"I have had phenomenal success with my Life Lessons Program with young Black Males.

"I understand the thug and gang mentality 100% and have used that knowledge to help create a generation of potential leaders and future success stories.

"This is my gift and calling from God to be a beacon of hope and to offer knowledge, inspiration and redemption for those on the margins of society."

"Today is an event I will never, ever, ever forget as one who came to New York City 40 years ago as a young student at the age of 16.

"God has been good and merciful and I give him thanks and praise for using me for his glory."