Margaret Downing-Dill is just the kind of person Muriel Wade-Smith would probably never have got to know — and vice versa — until both decided to change their approach to life.

Dr. Wade-Smith, 67, who is black, grew up in segregated Bermuda and has made very few white Bermudian friends in her whole life.

On the other hand, fellow Bermudian Ms Downing-Dill, 43, is white and has established hardly any close relationships with black people over the years.

They met each other at the first Bermuda Race Relations Initiative in March, found they had plenty to talk about and have now laid the foundation for a friendship they hope can last for years.

Both women had gone along to the Government event because they wanted to make a difference to their own lives and do their bit to help tackle racial differences on the Island.

The pair were present again on Monday and yesterday for the second two-day summit at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess, where they joined about 80 other black and white people to discuss race issues.

Dr. Wade-Smith, from Smith's, described race relations in Bermuda as "horrible" and said the sessions had been the perfect opportunity to help create a better society for her grandchildren.

"I still don't have relationships or association with white people," she said. "I have more association with white people who are not born in Bermuda, who I go to visit in America, Canada or London.

"I'm making sure that changes. I took the initiative from the last session to try to keep in touch with Margaret.

"We have conversed and emailed each other and we have planned to go on the ferry together and have an open discussion, be truthful with each other. Our relationship is growing.

"It's all part of our aim to disband racism. I want to make Bermuda a better place in terms of race relations for my grandchildren. Racism is an evil, diabolical force that has to be dismantled."

Ms Downing-Dill is temporarily living in New York but flew over for the summit and to spend time with Dr. Wade-Smith.

"Since I have been living in New York, I come home and have a greater awareness of race issues on the Island," said Ms Downing-Dill.

"I don't have close relationships with any black people and I have an awareness that I have never gotten to know half of the population — and I want to change that. I want to be part of the solution instead of just talking about it.

"Race relations is a very difficult and sensitive subject to approach, but at these summits we are tackling it in a way that doesn't make you feel uneasy."

Throughout the two days, people took part in group sessions, discussed topics including language and history and shared their own personal reflections with others.

Frances Eddy, 60, from Warwick, who is of mixed race, said: "We had some very emotional moments. I have been to a lot of public meetings, but this is the first I have been to where there have been an equal number of white and black people. It is the first time I have heard white people tell us their side of the story."

Rolfe Commissiong, race relations advisor to Premier Ewart Brown, was the main organiser.

"We have seen willingness of both sides, black and white, to come out of their respective comfort zones and confront the issues," said Mr. Commissiong. "We experienced a number of 'coming home to Jesus' moments here over the last two days.

"The most gratifying thing is that we are seeing a growing number of white Bermudians who are getting on board and are willing to fight with us for this progressive agenda."

Mr. Commissiong said statistics showed significant racial disparities still existed in Bermuda today.

He added: "It's clear that work needs to be done. That's why Government is so intent on us turning the corner, getting the dialogue going, to reduce this disparity.

"People know that, despite everything else Bermuda has going for it, this is one area in our closet that needs to be cleaned out. They know that it's psychologically limiting people."

Similar sessions are planned throughout the rest of the year.