Schools transformed into testaments to Black history
Two primary schools paid homage to Black Bermudian history by highlighting local trailblazers and civil rights groups.
Elliot Primary School hosted Legacy of Excellence: A Black Bermudian Gallery, Because They Led, We Can Follow, where pupils put their research projects on display, converting their school into a massive exhibit.
The event coincided with Paget Primary’s eighth annual Black History Museum, which honoured 13 historical Black figures, most of whom are still alive and visited the event.
The Paget pupils spent weeks organising class projects that they showcased in each classroom.
Displays included timelines of their subjects’ lives, newspaper clippings of their accomplishments and explanations of what they did.
The class of P6 Cann created an exhibit about the life and work of Calvin Simons, a coach and athlete who created the Bermuda Pacers Track Club.
Mr Simons, who visited his own display, said he was “overwhelmed by the whole experience”, especially having taught and coached the teacher who oversaw the project.
He added: “I came down and spoke to the kids. I’ve been pretty impressed with their presentations and all the pictures and information they found on me.
“I think they did a fabulous job.”
P4 Simons’ Class looked into the life of Edward Dyer, Bermuda’s first male nurse and first Black prison commissioner.
Chantal Simons, Mr Dyer’s niece, led the project as the class’s teacher.
She said she helped to include insider information, such as his handyman skills and ability to “bake the most delicious bread and cakes”.
Ms Simons said: “I just decided he needed to be honoured for all that he’s done. I don’t think he’s been honoured in any other school for Black History Month.
“He’s a phenomenal man and has stood there as a stand-in father for me over the years.”
Mr Dyer, who talked to the children for the project and looked over his own exhibit, added: “I’ve been impressed not just with this exhibit, but the rest.
“They’re all well informed and I was surprised.”
Crystal Caesar, the Minister of Education, recognised that Paget Primary’s honourees were “instrumental in the community”.
She added that having the pupils meet “living history” was “fantastic” for them.
Ms Caesar said: “They did a wonderful job in the depth of different displays, in the historical aspects and tying it to how young people see and experience Bermuda.
“It’s really important for us to do this so we don’t forget who we are, where we come from and ultimately how young people can be inspired to where they can go in the future.”
Other honourees included Frederick “Skipper” Ingham, Wayne Caines, Brain Wellman, Wesley Leroy Tucker, Edna Thomas, Ruth Seaton James, Suzette Harvey, Otto Trott, Katura Horton-Perinchief, Terrylynne Emery and Arlene Brock.
Elliot Primary’s classrooms analysed people, places and organisations that played pivotal roles in Bermuda’s Black history.
The Elliot Black History Gallery’s opening ceremony featured dances, speeches and choral and video presentations — all conducted by the youngsters.
Pupils imitated many of the historical figures, such as P4 Simmons class’s portrayal of EF Gordon, the physician and civil rights activist who became president of the Bermuda Industrial Union in 1945.
The Devonshire school also featured an exhibit for the late Zaniko Hendrickson, a cultural icon and co-owner of H&H Gombeys, which featured his bow and arrow, whips, drums, cape and hat.
Zane Hendrickson, the icon’s brother, said the display was “an honour to me and to my family”.
He added: “It was an honour to my brother too — he would’ve really loved this and he’s smiling right now.
“He’s not a man of many words, but I would’ve been smiling right now.
“He would’ve been happy and he would’ve been proud.”
Mr Hendrickson, an Elliot alumnus, died shortly after his 35th birthday last December.
Relatives loaned the items to the school through Ethel Liverpool, a retired schoolteacher close to the family who helped to organise the event.
Other presentations honoured Mary Prince, Shaun Goater, Clyde Best, Cathy Bassett, Dage Minors, Erskine Simmons, Veronica Chameau, Dame Pamela Gordon, Egbert Montague Sheppard and Kingsley Tweed.
Tinée Furbert, the Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, assured attendees that the gallery programme would continue “beyond the students and educators that are here today”.
She added: “I am proud to be Bermudian and today I am proud of all of you.
“Continue to honour your story, continue to build and continue to rise.
“May God bless the Elliot Primary School and Bermuda.”
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