laud the achievements of black Bermudians.

It has already submitted plans to the Developoment Applications Board. If approved, the present building on Water Street that houses a workshop will be transformed into the museum.

Ross Smith, chairman of the BHA, said that his organisation had discussed the idea back in 1992 and have worked steadily to reach this point.

"We lease the building from the National Trust,'' he said. "Our idea is to convert it into a museum dedicated to the heritage and accomplishments of black Bermudians.'' If the plans are approved Mr. Smith said that the necessary work will start to transform the site into a museum. The work is expected to be complete around 1998.

The BHA has several fundraising events to help to raise the $230,000 required to make the dream a reality.

A jazz concert at Penno's Wharf on July 12 is one such event which will follow the BHA founder's dinner that has already taken place at St. Paul AME Church.

Mr. Smith said the museum was a golden opportunity for Bermudians who have complained about the lack of attention to the contributions of black Bermuda to support the BHA so that this museum can get started.

"Our plan is to set up an open structured museum,'' he continued. "Our first focus will be the friendly societies which tended to be the bedrock on which all of our black culture came about.

"After that we will convert into what is called a standing display. We will have a series of rotating displays with themes such as education and other ventures that blacks were prominent in bringing about such as businesses and churches.'' Mr. Smith said the idea for the museum was a direct result of the absence of black Bermudian contributions to the Island in the current museums.

"If anyone was to step off a ship or plane and go to any of our existing museums in search of Bermudian culture you will find that about five percent of what's there reflects Black Bermuda,'' he claimed.

"Consequently the BHA thought it was important for Bermudians and our visitors to know what our foreparents have given to the Island and how these contributions affect us every day.

"It is also necessary for our young people to know this because it will change their attitude to their forebears. With this knowledge they can go forward in a positive sense. This is nearly 400 years overdue.'' BLACK MUSEUM MUS