Construction of a new park commemorating the 1959 Theatre Boycott begins at the corner of Church and Wesley streets today.

To be known as Wesley Park, it will house a $140,000 eight-foot bronze statue by artist Chesley Trott entitled, 'When Voices Rise'.The work of art was commissioned by the Corporation of Hamilton for the 50th anniversary of the Theatre Boycott and is to be placed at the original site of the protest.

he intended park measures 2,500 sq ft. It was used for motorcycle parking until today. To accommodate that loss, 137 new cycle spaces have been created across the street, at Par-la-Ville car park.

Said Hamilton Mayor Sutherland Madeiros: "My predecessor, Mayor Bluck, had a vision for the City of Hamilton that included more multi-cultural art. "Supporting that vision, the Corporation commissioned Chesley Trott to create a statue as a symbol of the injustices of slavery in Bermuda and as a reminder of the power of the people's voice to end injustice, no matter its form.

"The statue will be unveiled in time for the 50th anniversary of the Theatre Boycott."In June and July of 1959 a two-week standoff was staged forcing the end of segregation in hotels, movie theatres and restaurants.The events saw a start to the end of institutionalised racism on the Island.

The Theatre Boycott was organised by members of the Progressive Group.Imagine Bermuda 2009 will hold a walk this Sunday in honour of their efforts.

The event is part of a continuing series, 'A Walk Through History'. Participants will be led from Victoria Park to St. Paul's AME Church, with presentations made by Senator Walton Brown, Donna Daniels, Ron Lightbourne, Denny Richardson and Roger Sherratt.Glenn Fubler of Imagine Bermuda 2009 said:"The overall theme on this walk highlights the fact that the majority of the Progressive Group came from just two churches.

Out of the 15 members, six came from St. Paul's AME and three from St. Theresa's. "Clergy in those two Rev. Wendell Foster of St Paul's and Father Walters of St. Theresa's had no direct involvement in the Theatre Boycott plans but the two clergy served as mentors to those members of the Progressive Group, with their ministries that highlighted social justice."The walk begins at 2.30 p.m.