The life of civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr, who died 50 years ago, is to be celebrated tomorrow with a commemoration of the power of dreams.

Glenn Fubler of Imagine Bermuda said Dr King’s vision of social justice left a legacy that was “the foundation for what we imagine here in Bermuda”.

Tomorrow is the anniversary of his murder in Memphis, Tennessee, where the clergyman had gone to support workers on strike.

Dr King’s “I Have a Dream” speech in 1963 in Washington DC became one of the defining statements of the civil rights movement and of a generation.

Mr Fubler said: “Dr King is well known for that iconic speech.

“It speaks to the fact that if we can inspire each other, especially our young people, to fashion and nurture their own dreams, they can empower themselves.

“This will be a platform to encourage each other and our young people to that end.”

Mr Fubler added that the Chewstick Foundation and the Bermuda Sloop Foundation will be highlighted as two organisations that “provide a beacon” for young people to follow their dreams.

The Power of Dreams event to honour Dr King’s life will be held between 12.30pm to 1.30pm on the steps of City Hall in Hamilton.

Branwen Smith-King, executive director of the Bermuda Sloop Foundation, said the organisation offered “an opportunity for young people in Bermuda to pursue their dreams”.

She added: “We are very grateful, honoured and appreciative of this recognition.”