CURB Supports Race Relations Survey Initiative

Citizens Uprooting Racism in Bermuda [CURB] said they are “pleased to support the Minister’s announcement that the Government is seeking input from the community on race relations through the means of a 4-question survey online.”

“All and every effort taken by both government and the community is essential in order to address the ongoing inequity and intergenerational trauma that continues in our community as a direct legacy from Bermuda’s oppressive past. 400 years of oppression will take both time and effort from both a grassroots movement and legislation to bring about a more equitable society,” the organisation said.

“As a non-governmental charity organization, CURB has worked hard for 14 years to sustain the conversation around race through educational forums, lectures and presentations in order to raise awareness about the day-to-day reality of past oppression and its ongoing legacies. Through research, surveys, conferences, trainings and presentations we continue to educate and help people understand how that past affects the social dynamics at play in our community today.

“For the majority of Bermudians, Bermuda’s history has been one of learning about the movers and shakers of white colonial history, with the works of Black historians being suppressed and sidelined.

“CURB’s Hidden History workshops raise awareness of this marginalised Black history by collating from the works of predominantly prominent Black historians and thus providing participants a much broader and inclusive understanding of Bermuda’s history and past oppressive legislation. This work is important for all to understand why there is the “Two Bermuda’s” and helps empower people to bring about more fair and positive social change.

“Now entering its fourth year, CURB’s Truth & Reconciliation Community Conversations programme has been collecting data from pre and post surveys, which include participants thoughts about what is needed in order to bring about a healthier and more racially just community.

“The aim of these community conversations is to find a way forward to repair and heal the divisions created by centuries of abuse. Through the use of restorative practices we help create and strengthen relationships, and by sharing each other’s stories, we create empathy for each other’s truths and in the process build community and empower real change.

“In alignment with the Community Conversations, since 2017 CURB has brought to the community Restorative Practices Bermuda training programmes under the auspices of the International Institute for Restorative Practices. Running 6 to 7 trainings a year, this programme is focused on training people how to use the restorative practices methodology not only in their work environments, but in their clubs, charities, churches, and organizations to strengthen relationships and build community, whilst also providing a restorative method to resolve conflict.

“As a result over 200+ people are now working in their communities creating a paradigm shift in how they interact more restoratively with their students, work colleagues, clients and stakeholders, whilst training and modelling to others how to use restorative practices in their lives.

“CURB’s work on Truth & Reconciliation is being recognized as ‘groundbreaking’ and of ‘international interest’, with groups in Canada and in the U.S. now piloting programmes based on the CURB model, and interest expressed from as far away as France.

“We look forward to learning the results of Government’s online survey and offer our assistance and expertise in any way we can.”

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