Upcoming: Cultural Identity Lecture

February 10, 2012

Bermuda College adjunct lecturer Quinton Sherlock Jr. believes the island’s racially divided past still influences behaviour in modern-day Bermuda.

Mr. Sherlock will be holding a seminar called “A Bermudian Story: The Psychology Of Our Past” later this month to address what he believes is a continuing lack of a fully developed sense of cultural identity among blacks.

“During a time when many feel we are living in a post-racial Bermuda, I will propose that a critical look at history will show that race still matters in the identity of African/black Bermudians,” he said.

Admission to the February 21 lecture —  being held at Manchester Lodge Hall in Hamilton from 6.30-8 p.m. — is free.

Last year Mr. Sherlock gave a well-attended presentation at the Bermuda College in which he linked the recent rise in violent crime on the island to issues surrounding racial identity.

“Gang activity and gun violence in Bermuda often involves a black male,” he said at the time. “As a black male myself, I cannot give into the frivolous notion that allowing ‘them’ to kill each other off, or locking them all up will solve the problem…”

And last summer he launched Camp Pauulu for middle school boys aged 11 to 14. Named after Bermuda National Hero Dr. Pauulu Kamarakafego,  the five-day programme was designed to introduce participants to the idea of self-knowledge and the acquisition of new skills.

Participants learned about culture, history and the roles played by key individuals and groups in Bermuda’s history.

 

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Comments (7)

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  1. postracialbermuda says:

    I hope bad education, dead tourism, exiled international business, a ruined environment, massive debt, BMW fleets and, of course, beating up whitey, phillipino, portaguee, etc. are not requirements for developing sense of cultural identity among blacks.

  2. TheFuture says:

    Rather than continue the trend of technology enabled chumps who can comment without attending yet speculate, try attending to see. As an attendee of Q’s past events, I can vouch that he doesn’t support such irrational ideas.

  3. Heather Stines-Brangman says:

    Why is it that when race is an issue, there is no mention of the 400 years of having a Native Indian community that has roots and heritage to many of the tribes/nations . There are well over 20 Indian nations represented in Bermuda. Bermudians are more than just black and white.

  4. Quinton Sherlock Jr. says:

    Ms. Stines-Brangman, your point is well taken. There are many archeological articfacts that point towards the interation of the Native Americans and African people during a pre-Columbua era. The book by Dr. Ivan van Sertima entitled, “They Came Before Columbus” speaks to this quite well. Much of what will be discussed on the evening of the lecture while be directed specifically towards the African experience, however it can just as well be applied to that of Native Americans. The idea of the exercise is to use the particular context to explain a phenomenon, which as you illude to is not necessarily unique to the African experience only.

    Give thanks

  5. Really?? says:

    First of all @ Quintin Sherlock… Where is there any evidence of Indians and Africans being present in Bermuda pre Columbus? Would like to see that presented also do you not think that my history matters as much as yours?

    Granted you may say that my history being a white man is full of opression and discrimination, which is not factual at all. The white man created society brought technology to the far corners of the earth, The british empire built train systems which greatly influenced developemnt of Colonys such as India. This is one example.
    I dont have a problem with the celbration of any race or nations history and Africans are a massive part of Bermudas history and they shoudl be celebrated, but less we forget who founded this island and who was eventually responsible for every single one of us being here. have a little more consideration for the brave men who have come before us and defeded this island in order that we all can call it home.

    Stop Disrespecting…

  6. Quinton Sherlock says:

    @ Really, I have noted a source you can refernece in my original post. In addition you place many words in my mouth that I have not personally stated as well as many assumptions about my outlook on certain things. It is interesig that you feel I am being disrespectful. If you were to actually know me and/or listen to what I say, one would be well aware that I emphasize respect to all.

  7. Quinton Sherlock Jr. says:

    @ Really, my comment about Africans & Native Americans having contacts “pre-Columbus” was regarding the Americas. My point was to show respect towards the Native American experience and hint towards some shared experiences on the part of Native Americans and Africans. Sorry, I missed that in my responce to you.