A visual testament to the legacy of the Bermuda Industrial Union was unveiled to the public today.

Three exhibits featuring biographies and restored photographs were revealed as part of celebrations of the union’s 80th anniversary.

Chris Furbert, the president of the BIU, was proud to spotlight its achievements.

He said: “The 80-year history that we’ve got is letting the people of Bermuda know that the BIU has something to be extremely proud of — not something to take for granted, but something to be truly proud of.”

The display is across the first two floors of the BIU Headquarters on Union Street in Pembroke.

A Tribute to 80 Years details the history of the BIU from its inception as the Bermuda Workers Association in 1944 to protests throughout the 2010s.

Panels highlight standout events in a decade of history, such as the 1965 Belco riots and the 1981 General Strike.

A Tribute to Dr EF Gordon on the second floor offers a biography of the union’s founder — from his perspective.

It shares the message: “Though I no longer stand among you, my spirit remains with you — steadfast, watchful and hopeful.

“I share my journey in the hope that it may guide and encourage you as you face challenges of your own.”

On the other side of the floor is the History Repeats Itself exhibit, drawing parallels between the General Strike of 1981 and the Furlough Days Protests of 2015.

Jason Hayward, the Minister of Economy and Labour, said: “It’s always said that we stand on the shoulders of giants and every Labour Day we give homage to those who came before us. But I’m not sure if persons can actually visualise or internalise some of the struggles and put names to some of the faces that are always talked about.

“This can serve as a valuable lesson, not just for those who are in the labour movement but also for our young people coming up, so they can get a better understanding of their history, the struggle and the importance of the BIU as an institution, as well as the labour movement and the importance the labour movement has had on Bermuda.”

Stanley James, the chief executive of Premier Health and Wellness Centre, which sponsored the project, said he wanted the history to be a point of pride for Black Bermudians.

He explained: “We just look at murders on the street, people at Turning Point [Drug Rehabilitation Centre], jails that are full — we see Black faces but we can’t say it.

“So these pictures will say what we feel. Restoring them restores hope and a fire for agency.”

Dr James said that he and many others grew up with “anxiety and fear” around union association, with the threat of financial ruin such as the removal of one’s mortgage.

He added: “That was a traumatic way of living as young Black males, growing up with this haunting suspicion that there’s a cloud over your head, that you’re not safe to speak your truth.

“Let us look back to see who we truly were and rekindle our flame for justice, for truth and for what is right — not just for us but for everybody.”

Kryshae Furbert-Wilson, the BIU’s education officer and exhibit designer, said primary school groups had visited and more planned to see the exhibits.

Other anniversary celebrations will be marked this year, including on International Women’s Day on March 8 and Labour Day in September.