University of the West Indies Vice Chancellor Sir Hilary Beckles has been honoured by The Reverend Al Sharpton for his global advocacy, academic scholarship and intellectual leadership in support of social justice, institutional equity, and economic development for marginalised and oppressed ethnicities and nations.

Sir Hilary, who is also chairman of the CARICOM Reparations Commission and president of Universities Caribbean, was receiviing the Peace and Freedom Award from Sharpton and the National Action Network on January 18, Martin Luther King Day.

Presenting the award to Sir Hilary during a live virtual ceremony, Sharpton said: “Every year we have the National Action Network Dr Martin Luther King Awards, we look for someone who has personified in their own work, in their own life, the global fight for human rights and human dignity, particularly in the African diaspora and there’s no doubt about the fact that Sir Hilary has been one in that tradition. I would say unequalled in the present African diaspora of those of us that are still among us.”

The US-based Network, founded and led by Sharpton, has celebrated MLK Day since 1991 with a breakfast in his honour in Washington, DC. The annual event both commemorates King’s legacy and provides an opportunity to refocus on the work of carrying on his dream.

In his response, Sir Hilary told Sharpton that, growing up, his generation followed and was inspired by King’s works and teachings and that he remains a ‘template’ and guiding light in the global reparatory justice movement.

He acknowledged that King’s philosophies “framed his own views of the world” and expressed gratitude for the accolade, saying: “I am humbled and honoured to be considered in the context of the legacy of Dr King.”

Sir Hilary was among seven distinguished persons honoured. Other honourees include American physician, immunologist and Director of National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), Dr Anthony Fauci; seven-year-old non-profit founder Cavanaugh Bell; Chief Executive Officer for the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), Sindy Benavides; award-winning organiser, philanthropic consultant, political strategist and jazz singer, Latosha Brown; Stacey Abrams, American politician, lawyer, voting rights activist, and author; and Dr. Millicent Gorham, Executive Director of the National Black Nurses Association, Inc.