CURB Statement On Black History Month

January 31, 2023

Noting that many nations and people celebrate Black History Month in February. CURB’s Central Council said they “deeply respects and appreciate those efforts and offer its resources to any individual or group who wishes to enhance their recognition of Black Bermudian History.”

A spokesperson said, “Bermuda’s closest geographic neighbours – the US and Canada – celebrate Black History during the month of February. While the February commemoration has arrived on Bermuda’s shores, other countries including England, France, and Ireland celebrate Black History in October; Germany celebrates annually but does not always designate a specific month.

“Given both the horrific role of the historical North Atlantic Slave Trade and the modern dominance of US media, it was likely that the annual celebration would spread beyond North America. As a result, from today several Residents, companies, and institutions in Bermuda will celebrate Black History for the next 28 days.

“CURB’s Central Council deeply respects and appreciates those efforts and offers its resources to any individual or group who wishes to enhance their recognition of Black Bermudian History.

“Members of CURB are deeply committed to anti-racism and believe that proper recognition and reverence of Black Bermudians when recounting Bermuda’s history is the only authentic and appropriate way to honestly understand and articulate Bermuda’s story.

“CURB recognises the historic role of Black Bermudians in: the design and construction of early houses, importing and growing cassava/farine, the expert ability and judgment of sailors, the use of natural and holistic remedies to cure illness, the ingenuity of tradesmen in devising simple solutions for complex problems, a moral obligation to educate Black children while combatting systemic racism, fighting for human decency and workers’ rights, and many, many more matters of life in an isolated country…leading to the Bermudian Culture and way of life.

“For our part, during February CURB will post facts about Black Bermudian history that occurred over the past decades and centuries during February, E.G. Mr. Joseph Rainey, for whom Barber’s Alley in St. George’s is named, was nominated as US Congressman on 2nd February 1870 [won in Oct.], on our social media. The public is invited to Like, Share, and Follow and cause Black Bermudian History to become so ingrained in Society’s fabric that it is constant and not a monthly celebration.

“CURB’s work with Black Bermudian history and experience is not limited to one month, it is respected year-round, and is the solid foundation upon which our work is built. Our Executive Director, Advisory Council, Members, and Strategic Plan are all geared to anti-racism and creating a Bermuda ‘where race favours no one’.”

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Comments (3)

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  1. Robert says:

    A “Black country” having “black” history month is a joke. Just call it history. Perpetual victim hood is dumb and unproductive!

    • Joe Bloggs says:

      Sorry, Robert. I must disagree. Almost all of the Bermuda history recorded contemporaneously was recorded by the literate, or white people. Very little history from the perspective of the black community was recorded contemporaneously and therefore does not appear in books.

      Furthermore, Bermuda is not a “Black country”.

  2. Hashim says:

    Black History Month celebrates the rich cultural heritage, triumphs and adversities that are an indelible part of our Bermuda’s history. A history which reverberates in everyone’s life everyday, rather black or white