The Tribune

On March 12, US Charge d’Affaires John Dinkelman visited St Augustine’s College to recognise the grand prize art winner of the US Embassy’s 2013 annual Dr Martin Luther King Jr Civil Rights Contest, Denzel Pratt, and present him with a new Apple iPad.

Denzel briefly described the inspiration behind his entry as part of a special assembly in front of his fellow classmates, teachers, Charge Dinkelman and renowned Bahamian artist Antonius Roberts.

His piece of art depicted Dr King holding a key which represented his message of freedom for all people regardless of race.

It also depicted how this message inspired Denzel’s forefathers in their pursuit to secure an independent Bahamas.

This is the seventh year that the US Embassy has sponsored the nationwide contest to mark Black History Month.

This year’s theme, “Dream Inspired by Martin Luther King Jr: Celebrating 40 Years of Bahamian Independence” also included an art component in partnership with Antonius Roberts’ Hillside Gallery to encourage high school students to express themselves artistically.

The purpose of the contest was to encourage students to explore the life of American hero Dr King and the impact of the civil rights movement on Bahamian independence.

All high school students in the Bahamas in grades 10-12 were invited to participate. Seven of the eight art entries were created by St Augustine’s College students.

In his remarks, Mr Dinkelman praised Denzel for his insightful and inspirational piece and thanked each student who participated in this year’s contest for embracing Dr King’s vision and for rediscovering the ties between the civil rights movements in the Bahamas and the United States.

The art students also received praise from artist Antonius Roberts, who served as the primary judge for the art contest. He recognised the students’ creativity and applauded the dedication of their teacher Marco Mullings, who was his former student at the College of the Bahamas.