Bahamas Prime Minister Perry Gladstone Christie will be the fourth person from the Commonwealth of The Bahamas to be inducted to the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame. The induction is set for Jan. 24 at 10:00 a.m. at the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site in Atlanta.
The prime minister will also attend the Trumpet Awards the following night.
Bahamians already honored at the center include the ‘Father of the Nation’ and first Prime Minister the late Sir Lyden Oscar Pindling, clergyman Neil Ellis and pioneering actor Sir Sidney Poitier, who also serves as ambassador to Japan for The Bahamas. Confirmed to attend the ceremony will be Bahamian Minister of Tourism Obie Wilchcombe and Minster of Investments Khaalis Rolle.
Christie will be one of 10 new inductees to have their footprints immortalized at the site that was created in 2004 by Xernona Clayton, founder and executive producer of the legendary Trumpet Awards. The walk recognizes “the foot soldiers of justice who sacrificed and struggled to make equality a reality for all.”
This year’s additional honorees include Bishop John Hurst Adams, Roy Barnes, Dr. John Carlos, Dr. Tommie Smith, Dr. Norman C. Frances, Harry E. Johnson, Sr., Rep. Calvin Smyre, Thomas N. Todd and Rev. Jasper W. Williams, Jr.
Clayton said: “This walk of fame tells a phenomenal story about the legacy of this nation. It is a permanent testimony to those who have dedicated themselves to progress of our people and to this nation. Many of the shoes we use in the display remain on exhibition within the Visitors Center for those who visit the King Complex.”
Randy E. Rolle, consul general to The Bahamas for Atlanta and surrounding jurisdiction says that it is a poignant moment for the nation and region.
“Atlanta has a large Caribbean diaspora and it is certainly an honor for us to have a second prime minister of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas is being recognized,” he said. “We invite Bahamians in the area to join us as we celebrate this historic occasion. In fact, we have a delegation of 50 Bahamian youths ranging in age from 7 to 17 making up the Urban Renewal Band who will witness this event first hand, as they are also performing. I understand most of them got a passport for the first time just to be able to travel and participate with us in Atlanta. They will be among the first to see Prime Minister Christie’s footsteps cemented amongst other icons. It is truly a proud moment in our nation’s history.”
-By Arthia Nixon
