Until 1949 blacks had no real venue in segregated Bermuda where they could go and discuss politics and issues of the day.

That finally changed 60 years ago this month when Gerald DeShields and four of his friends formed the Leopards Club.

While antiquated laws kept blacks separated from whites in schools, churches, hotels, theatres and clubs, Mr. DeShields and his friends decided to create their own place where they could meet for a drink, bit of food and a chat.

Other black clubs were sports based, but the newly-formed Leopards Club broke the trend by setting up weekly radio programmes every Thursday, with speakers giving talks as members ate their supper.

The club's first home was the Cardinal Club, with moves to the Imperial Hotel in Church Street and then the Joell Building in Brunswick Street transpiring as popularity grew. It finally settled into another Brunswick Street address in 1954, and remains there today.

To secure the properties still owned by the Leopards Club today, club leaders had to put forward their deeds from other properties, paying off the debt in ten years.

They even opened their own guest accommodations for black guests to stay when they visited the Island.

No matter how many times the physical location was switched, one thing was always constant with the Leopards Club: the development of a political ideology among blacks, provoking positive thought in the fight for freedom, justice and equality.

During the struggles of the 1940s, 50s and 60s, the Leopards Club was a platform for its members to stand up and speak out for what they believed was right.

It's still a regular meeting place today, even if the Leopards Club is now known just as much for its low-priced drinks, tasty fish fries and friendly atmosphere.

In a souvenir journal to celebrate this month's 60th anniversary, current president Denny Richardson wrote: "The real truth is that back in those dark days of racial prejudice, the stark reality was that those men and women of colour had nowhere to go to socialise after work, other than a sports club. Not all of us are sports buffs.

"However, instead of sitting on the wall, they formed the Leopards Club."