U.S. Embassy’s Seventh Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Civil Rights Essay and Art Contest Winners

Jada A. Miller Queen’s College Grade 12 “Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle” proclaimed Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. visionary of equality for all races in the United

States. This revolutionary leader was fully acquainted with struggle and particularly adamant about fulfilling the black Americans‟ quest for freedom. His dream that fueled the American civil rights movement not only fostered change in America, but inspired others around the world to engage in changing their own country. was no exception as leaders, inspired by this tenacious civil rights icon, emerged from amongst the protestors, to steer the drive towards independence. Both movements for equality mirrored similarities that are forever etched in history.

Black Americans along with Dr. King had a dream of living in an equal, fair country in which they would not be treated or even regarded as an inferior race. This dream gave birth to peaceful demonstrations and protests such as the „Freedom rides‟ and restaurant sit-ins which encouraged the desegregation of both buses and restaurants all over the nation. Consequently, local progressive movements in Nassau, having witnessed the change engendered by these acts, started gaining a „political consciousness‟. Labour leaders like Sir Randol Fawkes and Sir

Lynden Pindling both believed in Dr. King‟s nonviolent approach, thus starting the „quiet revolution‟ in the Bahamas.

This subtle revolt began with a focus on what may have seemed a minor issue, but it was one of critical importance: education. Leading up to the General strike in 1958, many schools in the Bahamas did not allow black students to enroll. Similarly, in America, schools across the south were segregated and black children received an education that was incredibly inadequate when compared to their white counterparts. Sir Pindling, who became the first prime minister of an independent Bahamas, decided like Dr. King to civilly fight against such injustices. He admitted that the youth is “an important if not dominant factor for ushering in social change,” therefore properly educating them would be the only way for Bahamians to achieve independence from Britain.

Both King and Pindling were well-acquainted with struggles as they encountered numerous years of trials and misfortunes, but their fortitude eventually yielded the results they desired. A year after the sixteen-day General strike, all men over the age of twenty one were given the right to vote, and this led to the Progressive Liberal Party‟s landslide win against the

Bay street Boys in 1968. What a glorious day it was! Black Bahamians were now allowed to become ministers in the House of Assembly thus initiating the battle for the country‟s independence which finally came in 1973.

The founding fathers of our great Bahama land remained committed to the non-violent philosophy proposed by Dr. King. Despite the challenges, they planted their seeds because they knew like Dr. King that faith is taking the first step even when you cannot see the entire picture.

Now, the Bahamas is reaping what they have sown: the ultimate dream of complete freedom.

Andrew Goodrum First Runner-up Lucayan International School Grade 11

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was perhaps one of the most influential and inspiring individuals in both American and Bahamian history. As a champion of civil rights, his brave and daring fight for equality inspired many Bahamians to strive for their independence. Dr. King stood up for his rights, as did the Bahamian people, showing their true independence and maturity not only as people, but as a nation.

According to an article published by The Freeport News, up until January 10th, 1967, many colored

Bahamians were still being treated as inferior, and their rights, inhibited. When it comes to the segregation of the whites and blacks, many people don‟t understand just how similar the and the Bahamas were in those times. In both countries, the blacks were not allowed to be seated in the same section of a cinema as the whites, stand in the same bank or even live in the same neighborhood. In some areas of the Bahamas, physical barriers were constructed to prevent blacks from entering white districts. Although Dr. King was fighting for equality in a completely different country, his famous „I have a dream‟ speech related directly to life in the Bahamas. Dr. King stated: “100 years later, the Negro is still languishing in the corners of American society and finds himself an exile in his own land.”

Both the black residents in the United States and in The Bahamas were frustrated with how they were being treated. Until January 10th, 1967, the government was predominantly made up of whites; however, on this date, Lynden Oscar Pindling‟s PLP narrowly won the majority vote, and he earned a seat in government. This was the beginning of the PLP party‟s dominance in politics. Both Pindling and Dr. King were fighting for equal rights at the same time. Pindling admired Dr. King, and gained motivation from him. It was almost as if these two nations had come together to fight inequality, and in the end they accomplished exactly what they had set out to do.

In Grand Bahama, life was even harder for black Bahamians. Imagine being forced to leave

Freeport before sunset or instead face dire consequences. In July 1969 Pindling delivered his famous

“Bend or Break” speech, in which he threatened the Freeport Port Authority, telling them to change, or else be broken. This drew the attention of the whites, forcing them to accept basic civil rights of black

Bahamians.

Without the strong and inspiring impact of Dr. King, perhaps The Bahamas would still have racial inequality. On August 28th, 1963, King also stated in his speech: “I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed”. Because of Dr. King, Pindling gained all the inspiration and faith he needed to fight inequality and achieve Independence. On the 10th of July,

1973, a new nation was born and a new sense of hope prevailed.

Shenique Moss Second Runner-up Crooked Island High School Grade 12

“Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Independence and Me”

Are you able to say who the following quotation is speaking about: “His aggressive advocacy of human rights, social and political reform and his resilience in being able to bounce back after suffering serious setbacks”? Dr. Martin Luther King Junior cemented his legacy as a Civil

Rights activist who was arguably one of the most noteworthy public figures in the African

American‟s achievement of racial equality. Similarly, as a Bahamian young woman of African descent, I am called to a period of reflection as my country- God‟s vacation paradise- embraces the celebration of our 40th year of independence celebration. While Americans consider Dr.

Martin Luther King, we consider our civil rights leaders. And to me, Prime Minister Sir Lynden

Oscar Pindling, often referred to as our “Black Mosses” is the African Bahamian‟s complement to African American‟s Dr. Martin Luther King Junior. Therefore, I pause and consider how Dr.

King‟s struggle for equality inspired Bahamians to push for our independence, which we achieved 1973, forty years ago.

To begin with, although the Burma Road Riot of 1942 was before the time of Dr. Martin Luther

King Jr.‟s career as a civil activist, it was certainly, as George Mackey puts it “The first real attempt at bringing down our "Jericho Wall" of social, political and economic injustice,” here in our Bahama Land. Without a doubt, frustration with injustice was not the only inspiration behind this compelling show of civil disobedience and rebellion. Black Bahamians were indeed inspired by their black counter parts in America. Many Bahamians always say that „If America sneezes, the Bahamas gets a cold‟. Undoubtedly, when President Roosevelt signed the new deal allowing black artists in America to benefit from Federal aid, and opened dialogue between the

America government‟s officials and African American officials in 1933; or when Jesse Owens won four gold medals in the Berlin Olympics; or when Mary McCloud Bethune was appointed as a representative for race relations in 1936 by President Roosevelt- Bahamians, as others in the entire world- realized that change was destined for Black equality the world over. These events of the 1930‟s must have been an inspiration to black Bahamians who rioted in protest in 1942.

In our struggle to obtain independence, this riot let the white oppressors know that black

Bahamians can take action and would no longer stand by and watch the best of the Bahamas be given to anyone other than the majority of Bahamians.

One of Dr. King‟s greatest strengths was that he was a pacifist; he believed in non-violent rebellion and organized struggle. Dr. King even visited India to study the teaching of Ghandi, who is the epitome of pacifism as a form of rebellion to activate change. Hence, the 1950‟s formation of the citizen‟s committee assured all in question that black Bahamians knew the truth and would rally together as the majority to be set free. During this year, Sir ‟s film

“No Way Out” allowed little black Bahamian children to see that a black man could aspire to a professional career as a doctor. The controlling white minority did not want any blacks seeing this film because it would have given us the „wrong impression‟. The citizen‟s Committee non- violently struggled to allow this important film to be shown in our Bahama Land, inspiring

Bahamians to see themselves as so much more than field-hands. Additionally, the 1960‟s in America was marked by Dr. King‟s leadership of many campaigns and demonstrations which changed the face of race relations in America. For instance: In 1961, segregation on inter-state travel is banned because of Dr. King‟s work; Dr. King was arrested in

1962 and again in 1963; additionally, in 1963 in Birmingham, Alabama, restaurants are desegregated; On August 28th of this same year the largest civil rights march in America saw Dr.

King‟s legendary “I Have a Dream” speech. Likewise, here in the Bahamas, the 1960‟s meant

Bahamian women could vote for the first time; Sir Lynden tossed the Mace to the Bahamian people on Black Tuesday. And January 10th 1967 black Bahamians achieved majority rule, which as George Mackey states, “Culminated their 129-year march from slavery to self- government.” A few years later in 1973, Sir Lynden again led the Bahamas in the attainment of our right to call ourselves a sovereign nation, freeing us from the dark shadowy clouds of

English rule and bringing us into the sunshine of independence.

Finally, there are many parallels between the American Civil Rights Movement led by Dr.

Martin Luther King and the Bahamas‟ march to independence championed by Sir Lynden Oscar

Pindling. They were both brilliant black men who challenged the minds and hearts of all to embrace racial and social equality for black people. To answer the question which I posed in my introduction, George Mackey made those remarks in reference to Sir Lynden Oscar Pindling.

But they can very easily be applied to Dr. Martin Luther King. Certainly Dr. King inspired many

Bahamians with his dream of racial equality and social justice for blacks in America. As we celebrate 40 years as a sovereign nation, I pause to say thank you to Dr. King and those who fought beside him and are still fighting today to ensure that I have an equal opportunity to education, healthcare, a career in health services or anything that I want because I am judged by my character and not the color of my skin. Today an independent Bahamas, governed by the majority is the realization of Dr. King‟s dream.

Wenzlea Dorsett Honorable Mention San Salvador High School Grade 10

“Oh freedom, Oh freedom, Oh freedom over me. And before I’d be a slave, I’d be buried in my grave And go home to my Lord, and be free.”

This verse of a Negro spiritual was sung by American slaves during their times of slavery. The words are strong enough to show listeners that these people were dreaming. Martin Luther King Jr expressed his dream publicly in a speech which has become a renowned classic among black people. “I dream that one day all men will be free” – is the crux of this speech.

Before 1973, Bahamians, especially Blacks, were in a similar position when it came to racial discrimination, which severely limited their economic and political progress. For example, economic opportunities were restricted to the most menial jobs, and since these jobs paid very low wages, many had to struggle otherwise to survive. Some were engaged in subsistence agriculture because other industries were closed to them. Their political opportunities were even more limited; very few could participate in the political life of the country because they were disenfranchised. Bahamians therefore, not only had to dream, but they had to struggle to realise the dream.

In 1942, Bahamians expressed their dissatisfaction over their low economic status by staging The Burma Road Riot in Nassau, the capital city. The riot was staged as a march, with singing, looting and destruction of the property of their oppressors – the white Bahamian merchants who controlled the economic life of the country. The result of this was an increase in wages for the lowest employee sector in the country. This success gave them hope, and so they participated in a General Strike in 1958 because they saw their economic livelihood threatened again. The strike crippled economic activities in the city for nineteen days, but in the end, taxi cabs drivers were allowed to operate at hotels and the international airport where they were disbarred initially. This resulted in the development of trade unions. However, by this time political advancement had already begun; political parties had been formed to provide representation and participation in the political life of the country. Blacks now had representation in the Bahamian parliament. Other political limitations were steadily removed, for example, some of the later achievements included; universal male suffrage in 1958, and universal adult suffrage in 1962. Additionally, Parliament realised the determination of its Black representatives to advance the cause of their people by the events of “Black Tuesday” in 1967, the achievement of full internal self-government from Britain in 1969; and finally, independence in 1973. The final event of independence was the culmination of the struggle that showed Bahamians, not only had they achieved success economically and politically, but now they were free to chart their own destiny. Black Bahamians were “Free at Last” from their economic and political slavery, and could now freely identify with the words of Martin Luther King Jr. – “Free at Last, Free at Last, Thank God, I am free at last.”