Councillor Sabrina Francis, Mayor of Camden Councillor Namza Rahman and Councillor Nadia Shah with the Martin Luther King plaque

THE country’s first blue heritage plaque honouring Martin Luther King has been unveiled outside a church where he delivered a rousing speech.

The Nubian Jak Community Trust plaque has been put up at the Bloomsbury Central Baptist Church to commemorate the former preacher’s sermon on October 29 1961.

Jonathan Eig, author of biography The King spoke at the ceremony, while there was a performance from Impact Dance and music from Vocal Shack.

Dr Jak Beula, chief executive of the Nubian Jak Community Trust, said: “Although Martin Luther King is a name that has transcended generations, I’m pleased that we have identified a space where he had a presence in the UK, and where future generations can go to feel connected with him.”

The council’s youth chief, Councillor Sabrina Francis, said she hoped the plaque would help more people learn about the life and campaigns of Dr King.

The former Baptist minister was a prominent leader of the US civil rights movement from 1955, until his assassination in 1968. The Nubian Jak Community Trust (NJCT) is an organisation dedicated to installing blue plaques commemorating significant individuals from underrepresented communities.