Race relations experts from Oxford University are to visit Bermuda College for a special symposium.

The event, Race and Resistance: Understanding Bermuda Today, will examine how modern Bermuda was shaped by its grim history of slavery and segregation. The conference was organised by the college and the Human Rights Commission with the Oxford Centre for Global History and the Oxford Research Centre in the Humanities Race and Resistance Network.

Eva Hodgson, a veteran civil rights campaigner, will be honoured for her “life of academic pursuit and dedicated activism”.

Three panels of speakers will discuss the role of resistance in Bermuda from foundation and emancipation, to desegregation and modern problems.

One session will focus on how to tackle the legacy of racism and understand patterns of resistance in today’s Bermuda.

Wale Adebanwi, director of the African Studies Centre at Oxford University, modern history professor Stephen Tuck, co-director of the Race and Resistance Research Programme at Oxford, will both be involved.

Phyllis Curtis-Tweed, vice- president of the college, said: “Knowledge of our history is important to understanding our strengths and amazing accomplishments as well as patterns of socioeconomic and political disenfranchisement.

“It is from our stories of resistance that we can draw strength and formulate ways to transform our community. Bermuda College is pleased to be a part of this important event.”

Lisa Reed, executive officer of the Human Rights Commission, added: “Bermuda has a rich history of activism through the varied contributions of artists, intellectuals, spiritual leaders and community groups.

“Much of Bermuda’s history, in particular its racial history, has been painstakingly researched and mapped by individuals seeking to give voice to untold stories in order to question and challenge oppressive practices.

“Oftentimes this advocacy has come at great personal and professional cost.”

A publication based on the symposium will be developed for use in education.

The event will be held on November 3 in room G3100 at the college from 9am until 5pm.

Tickets must be reserved through www.bermuda-symposium.eventbrite.co.uk.

For more information, e-mail bermudaraceresistance@gmail.com or phone 504-2543.