A 19th-century Black land developer was memorialised yesterday in a ceremony naming a new building in his honour.

The Corporation of Hamilton unveiled the Samuel David Robinson Complex, which encompasses Pier 6 on Front Street and the adjoining parking lot, as well as the nearby park space and public benches.

Charles Gosling, the Mayor of Hamilton, said: “It humbles me to stand here today before all of you and his family, and with great pride and privilege that the City of Hamilton recognises this immediate space in honour of the man whose significant contributions to the Hamilton community remain an integral part of Hamilton’s rich cultural history.”

He added: “Black Bermudians often played an instrumental role in the development of buildings that still stand to this day.

“This recognition is something that was a long time coming, and our apologies that it has taken so long for us to be happily here today — unfortunately, that is the way history goes.”

Mr Robinson, born in 1848 as the son of a successful baker, was a prominent businessman and philanthropist who built and owned several properties in Hamilton.

His holdings included Victoria Terrace on Princess Street and The Arcade on Burnaby Street.

Mr Robinson also helped to found the Berkeley Education Society to create a non-segregated school for higher learning — a vision that later became the Berkeley Institute in 1897.

His prominence in the community led to Mr Robinson becoming the first Black Bermudian to be elected Common Councillor.

June Hill, Mr Robinson’s great-granddaughter, said it was “wonderful” to see another addition to her ancestor’s legacy.

She added: “I hope this is the start of many similar occasions to recognise Black Bermudians who contributed in such a significant fashion to this community.”

Dr Hill, a retired paediatrician, said that Mr Robinson had died before she was born, but added that she grew up next to his first family home and later went to school at Berkeley.

She said that having been surrounded by his legacy growing up gave her an appreciation for her family’s contribution to the community.

Dr Hill added: “The name should be remembered and the name should be passed down.

“It’s critical that our children and our young people know about their ancestors.

“And I’m not just speaking about Black young people, I’m speaking about young people as a whole.”

Dr Hill said she hoped that the new complex would inspire people to study Mr Robinson and other prominent Bermudians.