Schoolchildren across the island took part in an event yesterday to mark the 50th anniversary of the death of Martin Luther King Jr.

The “Passing the Baton” project involved middle and senior-level pupils from a number of Bermuda’s public and private schools.

Glenn Fubler of Imagine Bermuda, the organiser, said the event was met with enthusiasm from pupils and teachers.

Mr Fubler said the event was “geared to help students across the island understand that we are all connected and strengthened through the legacy of many others, such as Martin Luther King Jr”.

The event began at the Whitney Institute.

Mr Fubler said the choice to start the event in Flatts was significant.

He explained: “It was in that neighbourhood during the spring of 1959 that a dozen or so young Bermudians dreamt of a better Bermuda.

“They subsequently secretly hatched plans for the Theatre Boycott which peacefully moved our island community forwards towards that vision.”

The baton travelled about 15 miles over a two-hour timespan and passed to Lisa Reed, executive director of the Human Rights Commission.

The baton will be on display at the “Celebration of the Life of Martin Luther King” event taking place on the steps of City Hall on April 4.