Calls for black men to clean up their act, blacks to patronise black businesses and an order to put God first in every man, woman and child's life were among the views voiced at a gathering organised by The Million Man March Coalition of Bermuda.

Black Bermudians eager to hear about the Million Man March in Washington flocked to St. Paul's Centennial Hall Thursday night to hear from those who attended the October 16 event in Washinton DC.

Organiser Mr. Rolfe Commissiong said the evening's purpose was to raise consciousness and "to give Bermuda a chance to hear the experiences of those who went to Washington''.

Mr. Commissiong added that it was also an opportunity for the women to become involved and that there would be an "emphasis on family healing that is long overdo''.

The evening opened with African music, the Lord's Prayer -- announced in Ethiopian -- and with a moment of silence out of respect of black forefathers.

Among the speakers at the event, titled `A Family Reunion', were those who attended the march including Mr. Anthony Phipps, Mr. Lou Simmons and Mr.

George Scott.

Business developer Mr. Rodney Smith told the crowd "we as a people are beautiful''. He added: "It is one thing for us to be made slaves, it is another thing for us to remain slaves''.

He reminded the audience that "Court Street, Southampton Rangers, Devils Hole, White Hill Field,... are our problems not the Police's.'' He then encouraged the gathering to take a stand, to which he received a standing ovation.

Mr. Robert Trew, an entrepreneur, praised Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan and said: "They (the Government) will soon tell you he (Farrakhan) can't come to Bermuda. I would like to see every man, woman and child stand up and march on to Immigration.'' Mr. Trew asked the crowd: "What's wrong with us?'' His response to his question was "bring Farrakhan here and he'll tell us''.

He also urged black Bermudians to patronise black businesses, "or else they can't survive''. This sentiment was echoed by many of the evening's speakers.

Member of Parliament Mr. Nelson Bascome of the PLP said: "I see on the streets today so much fear in the eyes of our elderly and women and so much space in the eyes of our young men who need something to hold on to.'' A good-size crowd was on hand -- comprised of young and old -- to make up a vast cross section of black Bermudian society, including Opposition Leader Mr.

Frederick Wade who made a brief appearance but chose to stand at the back doors.

Other guest speakers for the evening included Dr. Eva Hodgson, Rev. Glenn Caines who acted as master of ceremonies and the PLP's Dr. Ewart Brown who did not get a chance to address the crowd as he was called away on an emergency.