Activists urged people to celebrate the emancipation of enslaved persons in Bermuda by recognising the millions of people still enslaved worldwide.

Glenn Fubler, of Imagine Bermuda, spoke with others during a presentation yesterday at Hamilton City Hall that commemorated 191 years since slavery was abolished within the British Overseas Territories.

Mr Fubler explained: “We’re here to recognise that, while we had a genocide here in Bermuda from slavery, we are taking this opportunity to show solidarity with those being impacted by the current genocide in Gaza.”

He believes standing up to these incidents requires research and awareness.

Mr Fubler said: “We are living through a time of immense propaganda, so I recommend people look to those who have done the research, think for yourselves and check the facts.

“Look around your churches, clubs and neighbourhoods and do some work there. In doing that, we can bring light, even the smallest light, to the immense darkness out there.”

Imam Saleem Talbot, of the Bermuda Islamic Cultural Centre, said that free people needed to unify and speak out against the conflict in Palestine and all instances of oppression.

He explained: “When we end the discrimination of religious bigotry and racism, we’re on the road to freedom for everyone — if one person is dealt injustice, all of us are imprisoned.”

Mr Fubler is to join Kim Wilkerson, the Attorney-General; former Royal Bermuda Regiment captain Wendell Hollis; and Lew Simmons, from the Department of Education, in a discussion about slavery reparations at the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity from 6.30pm to 8pm today.

Mr Hollis, whose ancestors were slave owners, said Bermuda had come a long way since 1834, but still had work to do.

He explained: “One of the things I love about Cup Match is that, on the two days of the game and the other two party days, Bermudians all come together as one people.

“Most of the time for the rest of the year, we are [one people], but there are certain times when we’re not.”

Mr Hollis said it was important to use the talk on reparations as “a dialogue to heal any wounds and move on as one people”.

Deidra-Lee Bean, the operations director at the Chewstick Foundation, encouraged people to enjoy the Cup Match holiday, but remember why it was celebrated.

She explained: “People died for us to walk around freely and talk about sitting together at the same table.

“This season, take a moment and have some reverence for those who died, but also celebrate consciously.

“There is always work to be done — don’t be complacent.”

UPDATE: this article has been updated to clarify that the reparations talk will take place today, July 29