Historian and community activist Dr Eva Hodgson has been named an Officer of the British Empire in the Queen's 2012 New Year's Honours List.Dr Hodgson has frequently and consistently addressed the issue of racial divides on the Island, calling for discussion and action.She was joined in the list by noted sailor Alan Burland and arts supporter Thomas Butterfield, who were both honoured with the title of Member of the British Empire.Also honoured with Queen's Certificates and Badges of Honour are Beverly Jones, Donna Bradshaw, Carol Anne Clarke, Alfred Scott, Donald Kramer, Dr Gary Burgess, Andrew Bermingham, Leo Custodio, Estlyn Harvey and Anne Mello.Speaking about the honour, Dr Hodgson said she was appreciative that she was recommended for the title.“I hope that it means that the Premier is persuaded by my recent comments, particularly in relation to Black Affirmative Action.“While I know that there are some that have question marks about accepting these honours, I feel that it's international recognition because it's recognised throughout the commonwealth.“Therefore, I'm appreciative of having received it.”Dr Hodgson, who holds a PhD in African and Black American History, was the recipient of a national research fellowship for field research in Liberia.In 1983, she was seconded to the Department of Education in an effort by the Government to help preserve the Island's oral history, and to introduce human rights issues into the social science and civics curriculum.During her long history of tackling the thorny issue of race relations, Dr Hodgson founded the National Association of Reconciliation and wrote the book “Second Class Citizens, First Class Men.”Also awarded was Mr Burland, who has served on numerous boards on the Island including the Construction Association of Bermuda, the Employers Council, the Chamber of Commerce, the Bermuda College and several Technical Education Advisory Committees.He is also a celebrated sailor who represented Bermuda in the 1984 Olympics. He won fifth place in the international sailing competition, and was named Bermuda Sportsman of the year for 198⅜4.A founding member and Chairman of the Bermuda Sloop Foundation, Mr Burland led the technical committee in the design and building phases of the Spirit of Bermuda.He also served as watch leader during the ship's first transatlantic crossing.Mr Burland said that he was deeply humbled by the honour.“I was speechless,” he said. “There are many deserving people in Bermuda and it's wonderful to be recognised and I'm sure there will be some others named who deserve it.“Everything I have done, I have done as a member of a team, and I want them to share in this as well.“I deeply love Bermuda and I'm pleased to have been able to contribute in some small way to the community. I look forward to continuing to do that for the rest of my life. I'm just totally humbled.”Mr Butterfield meanwhile has been described as the driving force behind Masterworks, which is dedicated to both repatriating Bermudian art and nurturing Bermudian artists young and old.He has personally raised more than $2.5 million in sponsorship for Masterworks by cycling and running, participating in the London and New York Marathons and making long-distance cycling treks to raise funds.He said that while he may have been a catalyst for Masterworks, the organisation's staff and board deserve credit for carrying out much of the hard work.“I'm delighted to know that we could make something like this happen for Bermuda. I'm delighted to know that future generations of the Island will see the fruits of our labour here today,” he said. “The big thing is it wouldn't have happened without people's leap of faith.”“When I found out about it, the first thing that occurred to me is 25 years have really gone by. How lucky I have been with people who have had the faith to want to go on and make something happen.”Premier Paula Cox said that both she and a colleague had nominated Dr Hodgson for the award.“Dr Hodgson has often been the lone voice and trailblazer speaking out on the issue of race relations in Bermuda, and she has made a contribution,” the Premier said.She also praised the others honoured in the New Year's list, saying: “Nominations do come from various sectors of the community, and it is good to have the level of involvement and participation of the people in the process of selection of individuals who make a difference.”Governor Sir Richard Gozney also applauded Dr Hodgson, Mr Burland and Mr Butterfield for their accomplishments, saying: “All three have put in that extra mile, or even 21 miles, and richly deserve their recognition.”He described Dr Hodgson as an “articulate political conscience for the whole community,” saying she speaks her mind and sets out supporting arguments to good effect.The Governor also praised Mr Burland for his support of community activities and Mr Butterfield for his drive and enthusiasm towards the arts.