Civil rights giant the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr was commemorated yesterday for his ability to both learn and teach during the fight against injustice.

Speaking during a ceremony at City Hall in Hamilton, Glenn Fubler, who organised the event, highlighted the theme of Dr King’s 95th birthday as “always learning”.

Mr Fubler explained: “King always demonstrated an openness to learn.

“While excelling in formal schooling, Martin demonstrated a deep understanding that every circumstance was a learning opportunity.

“With that humility, when 15-year-old Claudette Colvin refused to co-operate with segregation laws on a bus in Montgomery on March 2, 1955, both King and Rosa Parks absorbed a lesson from that circumstance, bearing fruit in December 1955, resulting in the iconic bus boycott.”

Martin Luther King Jr Day became a US federal holiday in 1986 marking the birthday of the campaigner for nonviolent political change.

Mr Fubler, who was joined by Joan Dillas Wright, presented certificates of appreciation to Sandy Butterfield, Canon James Francis and Aaron Crichlow for their extensive work towards community service.

Ms Butterfield was honoured for her hand in creating Focus Counselling Services, which aims to help those struggling with addiction.

Ms Butterfield’s efforts earned her a Queen’s Certificate in 2016.

Although she retired in 2019, Ms Butterfield continues to offer mental health support through the Salvation Army’s Harbour Life programme.

Ms Wright highlighted her compassion and approach to her clients.

She added: “I am very, very proud to be here with you all to recognise all that she has accomplished.”

Canon James Francis was also honoured for his work towards youth ministry and development both locally and abroad.

In 1961, Mr Francis travelled to the United States to help the Government with youth outreach in New York, Cleveland and Detroit.

He went on to spend 24 years in the country, establishing the Lincoln Heights Health Clinic and rebuilding church membership in Detroit.

When he returned to Bermuda, he travelled to different churches around the island and helped revitalised their congregations.

At 95, Mr Francis said that he was receiving this award on behalf of everyone who “bettered themselves for themselves”.

Aaron Crichlow received a certificate on behalf of his organisation, Bermuda Is Love.

The group aims to educate the public, particularly youngsters, on the extent and necessity of human rights, such as the right to resources, justice and education.

It holds weekly community events to help attendees understand and assist in tackling a monthly focus.

Bermuda Is Love this month focused on the right to clothing and broke down topics such as the destructiveness of the fashion industry, while also hosting clothing drives.

Speaking to the crowd, Mr Crichlow said: “That is the purpose of Bermuda Is Love — to provide basic need to everyone in the community.”

• UPDATE: this article has been updated to correct the name of Canon James Francis