Videos: Violence, Anger and the Legacy of Racism

The “Violence, Anger and the Legacy of Racism” seminar was held on Friday, March 12. The CURB sponsored event focused on problems with young black males and featured presentations from Charles Richardson, Dennis Burgess and Lieutenant Colonel Eddie Lambe. Statistician Cordell Riley served as moderator.

The multiracial audience of approximately forty individuals reflected Bermuda’s demographics. Notable attendees included Dr. Eva Hodgson, VSB journalist Charmaine Burgess and former Anglican Bishop Ewen Ratteray along with his wife.

Commissioner of Prisons Lieutenant-Colonel Eddie Lambe was the first speaker, and in our opinion made a very compelling speech. With a positive outlook and powerful statements, the former Regiment Commanding officer said that “jail is not the solution, it’s a place where we keep them away from you“. Appearing genuinely invested in improving the lives of individuals who are incarcerated, the Colonel spoke of the misconception that corporal punishment and the death penalty are the solution. The St. David’s Islander drew laughter from the crowd later on when he offered to give Dr. Eva Hodgson “some licks“.

Excerpt of Colonel Lamb’s speech:

Arhcitect and former Church Youth Director Dennis Burgess was the second speaker of the night. Mr. Burgess spoke of racism he has experienced in his own life and the impact it had in him. With a very positive and altruistic outlook, he spoke on speaking with many disadvantaged young males. Mr. Burgess made an ominous point in relation to the upgrading of violence within Bermuda. He pointed out that previous riots in Bermuda involved ‘weapons’ such as molotov cocktails, but if a riot occurs in present day we will most likely experience the far more powerful impact of firearms.

Excerpt of Mr. Burgess’s speech:

Charles Richardson was the final official speaker of the night. Always eloquent, Mr. Richardson rarely fails to impress. Jailed in the 1990′s for his part in the Spinning Wheel nightclub shooting, Mr, Richardson obtained his legal education behind bars and is now considered one of the top defence lawyers in Bermuda. At times his comments came from the perspective of someone with first hand experience, giving the audience an interesting insight.

A 5 minute excerpt from Charles Richardson’s speech:

Questions from the audience followed, which lead to the last [unofficial] speaker of the night, Dr. Eva Hodgson. She started off with questioning the panel before taking the podium herself to make a short speech. At one point the veteran race activist said “I have a certain bias with things I am interested in“, to which Charles Richardson wryly replied “We know Dr. Hodgson“, to the amusement of the audience.

Dr. Hodgson speaking:

On a fashion note, Dr. Hodgson and Mr. Richardson were coincidentally dressed in matching attire; deep pink shirts and navy bottoms.

Below Dr. Hodgson questions Mr. Richardson about the effect of going to Warwick Academy School over Berkeley:

Audience member Charmaine Burgess, a journalist with VSB and the wife of panelist Dennis Burgess, spoke of growing up in a majority white society and the impact it had on her pysche. Mrs. Burgess was one of the few to touch on aspects of self responsibility, mentioning the importance of education.

The event was very organized, with a selection of free literature for the taking as well as a wide variety of refreshments.

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