The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.
– Martin Luther King Jr.
These are the compelling words of the late civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who has faced tremendous challenges throughout his life yet found immeasurable solace amid the exhilarating essence of Bimini, Bahamas. Dr, King first visited the island in 1964. This is where Dr. King’s legacy continues to live on.
Because Dr. King’s presence so significantly impacted the people of Bimini, the city honored his character, his sacrifice and his journey with a bronze bust of his image, which was mounted right in the heart of the island at the Bimini Craft Centre in Alice Town.
Honored by the dedication and tremendous love Bimini has continually shown for Dr. King, his son, Martin Luther King III arrived on the island for the first time ever with his wife, Arndrea Waters King to accept the tribute on behalf of his father.
“This is an extremely special visit because I knew my mom had shared the experiences that my dad went through coming down to Bimini,” King III shared, “It’s one thing to talk about this and hear mom tell the stories. It’s totally different thing to visit. It’s really quite fulfilling. To get a true understanding of what a tranquil, peaceful and exhilarating place Bimini is.”
Much like the eloquence of Dr. King, many of the nation’s dignitaries and representatives were brought together in Bimini for this grand commemoration and plaque unveiling. Guests included Prime Minister Perry Christie, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration Fred Mitchell, Minister of Tourism Obie Wilcombe, Chair of the MLK Plaque Project Joyce Danford, representatives from the country’s U.S. Embassy and other attendees.
The Prime Minister has always been moved by the sacrifices of Dr. King and the common ideals and aspirations.
“This event marks the establishment of an international memorial in Bimini honoring the transforming work and great legacy of Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, Dr Martin Luther King Jr.,” the Prime Minister stated, “His extreme sacrifice, brilliant life, his vision of non-violent change while impacting the United States of America and the international community, inspired the founding fathers of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, led by our first Prime Minister, the Honorable Sir Lynden Pindling in this nation’s struggle for self-determination and independence.”
Local boat builder and fifth-generation Bimini native Captain Ansil Saunders’ eyes always light up when he recalls the profound conversations he shared with Dr. King through the mile-long stretch of sea known as Bonefish Creek.
“King used to say that Bimini was so peaceful and close to nature that only God could have created such a spot,” said Saunders. “He loved this place. I could tell when he first stepped on the soil that there was something special about him and Bimini.”
Martin Luther King III instantly understood how important the trips to Bimini were for his father the moment he experienced the journey through Bonefish Creek firsthand.
“ I am sure that dad was quite tired from the tremendous and traumatic stress he was under and to be able to come here to rest, relax and to do writing…it was probably therapeutic.”
There; in the midst of lush green mangroves and pristine blue waters, a similar bust of Dr. King was mounted. Visitors, guests, residents and friends who seek to find true connectivity with nature can now experience that same journey Dr. King took when he wrote his last speech, which was delivered in 1968. He was assassinated jut a few days later.
A colleague of Dr. King’s once told King III that …“your father conquered the love of wealth and the fear of death.” At the Martin Luther King Plaque Project Scholarship Banquet, King III shared how that quote changed his life to live with true purpose and make every moment a victory.
“We can win victories in our neighborhood, we can win a victory in our school, we can win a victory in our places of worship. Some of us will win victories in our cities and nations and some even in our world. But be ashamed to die until you’ve done a little something,” concluded King III.
Proceeds from the Scholarship Banquet supported an effort for full four-year scholarships for Bahamian students to attend Edward Waters College in Northern Florida.
Bimini remains an international haven for visitors to come experience the tranquility that Dr. King loved. The island changed his life and will forever be a revivifying sanctuary for Martin Luther King III and his entire family.
“My wife and I are so honored to have this experience. And so thankful to the people of Bimini and the Bahamas for making this a reality to chart in history forever,” shared King III, “…On behalf of my family I want to thank this nation, thank this island.
Wanjira Banfield writes about travel and entertainment for theGrio. You can find her at www.wanjirasworld.com and follow her on Twitter @wanjirasworld.