A grassroots effort is under way to encourage young Bermudians of all races to support tonight's celebration of 50 years of desegregation in Bermuda.

Young Bermudian Michelle Elliott has been circulating a letter aimed at drumming up participation in the theatre boycott anniversary event by people who might not otherwise attend.

"Some say that the past few weeks have helped to renew a sense of community in the Island as Bermudians, black and white, have come together united for a common cause," her widely circulated e-mail reads. "Thursday, July 2 will mark 50 years since the success of the theatre boycott, which brought an end to segregation in Bermuda's public buildings, including theatres, hotels and schools.

"I think it is time we start showing all Bermudians more support in issues that may not directly affect us but that we know are right to support. Therefore I urge everyone to come out to City Hall on Thursday at 6.30 p.m."

Ms Elliott's appeal follows the widespread use of e-mail and social networking to rally support for recent demonstrations against Premier Ewart Brown's leadership.

Bermudian Sean Soares wrote a letter, which was forwarded Island-wide, asking that concerned locals contact their MPs with grievances following the Uighur controversy.

The protests drew criticism from some politicians and media pundits for their overwhelmingly white attendance. Ms Elliott hopes tonight's anniversary celebration will be more racially mixed.

"Let's start to show the Bermuda community that we are one, not black and white," she said.

Tonight's event is hosted by community group Imagine Bermuda and kicks off at City Hall car park at 6.30 p.m. The evening will include the official unveiling of local sculptor Chesley Trott's monument in tribute to boycott leaders, the Progressive Group.

It will also see the opening of Wesley Square, a new purpose-built public space in the south-west corner of the car park, where the Progressive Group gathered 50 years ago to the day in 1959.

Fourteen Hamilton restaurants will be offering 50 percent off deals tonight to honour the anniversary.

A set of commemorative stamps to honour those involved in the theatre boycott was unveiled last night at the Bermuda Industrial Union building. The stamp set contains images from artists Robert Barritt, Charles Lloyd Tucker, Chesley Trott and an image from Errol Williams' film about the boycott, 'When Voices Rise'.

Cabinet Ministers Terry Lister and Neletha Butterfield were on hand for the launch event to salute the members of the Progressive Group for their actions to end segregation.

"Fifty years ago the winds of change swept our shores as a group of courageous men and women banded together for a common goal, seeking a vision for a shared destiny," Ms Butterfield said. "They were seeking a future without barriers to freedom, equality or social justice. These trailblazers were determined that their children would be the last generation of children of African descent in Bermuda who would suffer at the hands of overtly racist policies."

Mr. Lister added: "Tonight, we are commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the theatre boycott. The boycott got under way as our 350th anniversary celebrations were in full swing and now we recognise this event as part of our 400th anniversary. I should say that the Bermuda which celebrates its 400th is a very different Bermuda from that which celebrated its 350th and in no small part due to the heroic work of these fine outstanding Bermudians whom we honour tonight."

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