Theatre Boycott 65th Anniversary Celebrated
The 65th anniversary of the Theatre Boycott was celebrated during a recent Harbour Nights, with historical tributes, live performances, and community participation.
A spokesperson said, “Harbour Nights – July 3rd – was dedicated to the celebration of the 65th Anniversary of the success of the Theatre Boycott. A few minutes after 7 pm, the Ed Christopher – the Towne Crier – walked into the midst of the diverse crowd on Front Street and with his Award-Winning Voice summoned the on-lookers with his Hear-ye! …Hear-Ye! gaining attention.
“Ed quickly created a circle and welcomed all to Harbour Nights, explaining that the July 3, 2024 edition would celebrate the 65th Anniversary of the Theatre Boycott’s success. He pointed out that on July 2, 1959; following two weeks of campaigning, local movie theatres opened for the first time, without segregation.
“Christopher pointed out that some members of the Progressive Group, the secret Boycott organizers and street activists – along with family members – were witnessing the celebration from the Bank of Butterfield balcony.”
“Glenn Fubler followed this introduction pointed out, “There is symbolic irony that honourees are witnessing this occasion from that Balcony; since up to July 2, 1959, Blacks were refused seating in the Island Theatre balcony”.
“Glenn, while welcoming locals and visitors alike to the celebration and noted that there were even a few visitors to Bermuda who had demonstrated their solidarity. “There were two Canadian teachers – close friends of Bermudian teacher -Betty Kawaley – who were enjoying the Air-BnB of Gerald and Izola Harvey – Progressive Group members. Izola made a ‘Call’ on these two and the Canadians agreed to purchase a ‘copier’ for the Boycott campaign while maintaining absolute secrecy.
“Fubler went on to explain that in his boyhood in North Village, there was a popular practice of neighbours putting out a Call – woo-ou – woo, to each other. He went on to suggest that the small band of ordinary men and women who formed the Progressive Group responded to a Call given them by those on whose shoulders they stood.”
“Brenda Dale went on to provide another example. “Up until the mid-1940’s there were only two secondary schools – because of segregation – accepted Black students – so many missed out. Some affected parents approached retired Principal- Edwin Skinner – formerly of Cavendish Primary – –to teach their children. Skinner, answered that ‘Call’ by taking their children into his home and when numbers swelled, he accessed to the original ‘Elliot’- one-room school house.
“Brenda continued, “First known as ‘Skinner’s School’; but subsequently the students re-named it ‘Howard Academy’ and the small school, with scarce resources, went on to assist the vital development of many young people. Skinner’s alumni, include three who are Bermuda Heroes: the late -Ottiwell Simons and Roosevelt ‘Pauulu’ Brown; as well as Sir John Swan.
“Patrina – Power Girl – Paynter introduced Live Wire, singing a new release that he had recently completed, called ‘Stand’ which included lyrics that were most appropriate for honouring those who made the Boycott a success.”
“Glenn pointed out, “Upon Skinner passing on, Edward DeJean answered the ‘Call’. As numbers increased the novice Principal engaged students, teachers, parents and community supporters to rally to erect a pre-fab building. A visionary, DeJean nurtured a culture for learning from life; during the Boycott, Howard Academy students visited the Boycott supporter-rally.”
Fubler noted that “Another example of reality engagement, involved students helping organize ‘Record Hops’ on weekends, to raise much-needed funds to sustain Howard Academy.”
The spokesperson said, “Patrina introduced dancers from ‘In Motion’, who took centre stage to a popular record from 1959 – Let’s Twist Again. The girls encouraged the crowd of on-lookers to join them, as the music-mix evolved up to Jerusalaama; a trickle of joiners turned into a flood, when first their teacher – Malaysia DeRosa and then the Diva of line-dance – Patrina – joined in.
“After some 15 minutes of this genre of dance; Ed Christopher introduced the Gombey Warriors; offering visitors a nutshell background on this iconic aspect of Bermuda culture. He noted that the dancers wear masks, thus are anonymous; a serendipitous parallel to members of the Progressive Group.
“Imagine Bermuda wishes to thank all who made the collaboration of the Celebration successful, including: the Chamber of Commerce, Patrina Paynter, Ed Christopher, Brenda Dale, ‘In Motion Dancers’, ‘Live Wires’, ‘Gombey Warriors’, ‘Hind Sight’, the Bank of Butterfield and ‘‘Flanagan’s’.”
