The media’s role in shaping perceptions of black Bermudians is among topics for discussion at an “emancipation forum” to be held on Thursday.

The Department of Community and Cultural Affairs invited the public to attend the gathering at 6pm at the Gordon Hall on the second floor of the Bermuda Industrial Union headquarters in Hamilton.

The forum, Through A Glass Darkly: Black Bermudians In Media, will pay tribute to Montague Sheppard, a pioneering broadcaster in Bermuda.

A spokeswoman said Mr Sheppard would be honoured for his “distinctive and critical role” as a black Bermudian in the arena of radio and television broadcasting during the mid-1950s and the 1960s.

She explained that his Capital Broadcasting Company found a niche in public broadcasting “that was prolific, unparalleled and unprecedented” in the history of Bermuda.

Panellists at the free event will include Glenn Blakeney, Qian Dickinson and Dana Selassie.

It will be moderated by Ulric “Rick” Richardson and light refreshments will be served.

For more information, contact Heather Whalen, the director of the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs, at 292-1681.