Young Bermudians met to discuss race relations at the Commission for Unity and Racial Equality's young leaders' forum on Saturday.

Members of youth divisions of both the Progressive Labour Party and United Bermuda Party were present to offer youths advice on dealing with and ending racism in Bermuda.

This event marks the first time that the two youth groups have participated in an event together.

Kamal Worrell was frank with the students when he told them racism was stupid. He went on to say that in particular people must let go of history and move on.

While he felt it is important to learn about slavery, the Civil Rights movement and the struggle for equality endured by African Americans, it is important that black people don't become "resentful".

"Two wrongs do not make a right. We need to remember that white people today are not slave owners even if they are descendants of slave owners," Mr. Worrell said.

He felt that the youth of Bermuda could ensure the Island started a new page and "get rid of old habits".

Dina Simus of the UBP youth group told the audience that as a Portuguese woman on the Island she has experienced a lot of prejudice from both the black and white communities.

She spoke about instances when people told her to give up because she would amount to nothing more than "a housewife with a drunk for a husband".

The forum also featured a discussion by Roderico Bean and Rajae Woods, who spoke about their experiences on the Freedom Schooner Amistad.

The CedarBridge Academy students were crew members aboard the tall ship during its sail from Boston.

They also described the history and importance of the ship, which is in Bermuda until May 29.

Students were encouraged to express themselves via skits, poems and posters. The performances dealt with issues including the social divide between students attending private and public schools and being judged solely by the colour of your skin.

Davida O'Brien hosted the forum along with Stephanie Pacheco.

Ms O'Brien, production co-ordinator of CURE, felt the event went well and students opened up about issues they face everyday.

Ms O'Brien said was impressed with the representatives from the PLP and UBP youth groups.

The youth forum was the second of three forums CURE is holding to encourage discussions about racial inequality in Bermuda.

A third forum for all members of the community takes place on May 27 featuring a screening of CURE's short film production, "The Conversation Project, Bermuda".