WASHINGTON, DC – Late former Jamaica Prime Minister, Michael Manley, was formally accorded his place in the pantheon of the world’s foremost civil rights champions, with a posthumous induction into the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame in Atlanta, Georgia, on Saturday, (Jan. 12).
Mr. Manley’s footprints were revealed by his widow, Glynne Manley. They were shown with ten other famous civil rights leaders. This event took place at the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame. The walk is at the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site on Auburn Avenue in downtown Atlanta.
Civil Rights Icons
The ex-Prime Minister becomes the inaugural Jamaican leader to be honored in the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame. This recognition places them alongside notable American civil rights figures, including poet Maya Angelou, entertainer Sammy Davis Jr., activist Benjamin Hooks, radio personality Tom Joyner, and Martin Luther King’s legal counsel, Clarence B. Jones.
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At the ceremony held at the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, Trumpet Awards Foundation’s Executive Director, Xernona Clayton, said, “Today is a very special day for the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame, as we induct an outstanding son of Jamaica, whose legacy will live on.”
She noted that the former Prime Minister of Jamaica was chosen for the Civil Rights Walk of Fame. This decision was based on his great contributions during his life. It also recognized his lasting legacy in civil rights. He shared in the dreams and struggles of the famous civil rights leader, Martin Luther King, Jr.
Michael Manley Foundation
In her response to the glowing tribute Mrs. Manley thanked the Foundation for the honor bestowed upon her late husband, and pointed out that this honor also goes to the citizens of Jamaica.
She said that Mr. Manley always maintained that justice must be universal whether in terms of domestic or international economic relations or the power equations between races. Those who knew him understood that the most persistent impulse that motivated him throughout his life and career was his passion for equality and justice, she said.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Michael Manley Foundation, Danny Roberts, who accompanied Mrs. Manley, said that Mr. Manley’s induction is a momentous one. “To have him honored in this way ten years after his death, endorses his philosophy and ideas that he has always expounded,” he remarked.
International Civil Rights Medal
A significant part of the ceremony was the presentation of the International Civil Rights Medal to Mrs. Manley by Vice President of Good Works International, Sylvia Ashley. A pair of Mr. Manley’s shoes is now on display and forms part of the historical International Civil Rights Walk of Fame exhibition, which will be mounted internationally.
Mr. Manley’s footprints will join others from previous years, including those of: former United States Presidents, Bill Clinton, Jimmy Carter and Lyndon B. Johnson; current Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin and former mayors Andrew Young, and the late Maynard Jackson; the late former Bahamian Prime Minister Lynden Pindling; Harry Belafonte; Stevie Wonder; Sidney Poitier; Lena Horne; Congresswoman Maxine Waters; Archbishop Desmond Tutu; Dick Gregory, Julian Bond; Medgar Evers; Rosa Parks; and Thurgood Marshall.
The International Civil Rights Walk of Fame started five years ago as part of the Trumpet Awards. It honors those who fought for equality for everyone. The Walk of Fame has become one of Atlanta’s top tourist spots. It has also added to the history of the civil rights movement.
Trumpet Awards
The annual Trumpet Awards program started on Thursday, January 10, and ended on Sunday, January 13. The awards were presented at the Atlanta Civic Center. The Trumpet Awards began in 1993. They honor African American achievers in many fields. These fields include law, business, medicine, politics, entertainment, and public service.
