Black History Museum A Marvel To Behold
[Written by Patrick Bean]
Drenched with a reflective gaze of oppression, struggle, perseverance and the continued fight towards equality for all the 2025 Black History Museum was unveiled at Paget Primary School this week.
More than 15 honourees were presented to a packed, enlivened assembly made up of students, parents, relatives, media and allies of the movement to end racial prejudice and disparity.
Hallrooms and classrooms were affectionately adorned with historical items, many describing times of chattel slavery, indentured servitude and Jim Crowe era marginalisation of Bermuda’s population of African descendants.
The varied, impactful contributions of pioneers the likes of shoe business owner Reid Johansen; motor car legend Antoine Richards; retired educator and pastor Dean Furbert; musician and tradesman Clermont [Duke] Joell, author, storyteller, and activist Florenz Webbe Maxwell; and social activist Rev. Kinglsey Tweed were presented via well-crafted student exhibits, descriptive writings, artefacts and video recordings.
As such the tenure bore an intimate relationship with the Progressive Labour Party’s election platform of continued movement toward creating a “Fairer Bermuda”, a mode that did not escape Premier David Burt.
“Absolutely, and I think that is incredible,” responded the Premier when asked if the displays aligned with the Government’s mantra. “I learned a lot. And the fact is that during times when you teach history, you teach about figures that are celebrated nationally.
“But there’s a lot that I, myself, learned today. I learned about Elder Furbert. I learned more about the Commissioner of Education Kalmar Richards. I learned more about Antoine Richards. So it’s good and I think it’s incredible that presented here are opportunities for people to learn.
“This is a wonderful tradition at the Paget Primary and the amazing principal here has continued the work and effort.
“It was lovely to be escorted around by my six-time cross-country champion Ms Montana Weeks to go visit the classes.
“It was incredible, my wife and I really enjoyed it.”
Mr Joell is among the Island’s calypsonian legends and one known through his many years performing for guests at local hotels, restaurants, guesthouses, senior and private homes, and the U.S. bases, while also having represented the Department of Tourism both at home and abroad.
“I didn’t think this could happen and I wasn’t thinking about anything like this occurring,” said Joell, clearly humbled by the honour. “I’m a background man who never has had a desire to be in front.
“I’ve never done anything for praise. I just want to do things for the people.
“So to get this honour is humbling and one that I appreciate, that’s all I can say.”
Similarly gracious in accepting her designation as an honouree was current Education Commissioner Kalmar Richards.
“It’s very humbling,” said Richards. “Just having an opportunity to go through and look at what I’ve done.
“The achievements, the certificates, the awards it’s all very humbling. I really have to give thanks to God.
Asked if her efforts in leading Bermuda’s path forward in education were made more satisfying in seeing how students were able to tangibly display forms that accurately depict that which they have been taught.
“It’s always about children,” said Richards. “It’s about children coming first.
“Even in terms of what children achieve and what I’ve been able to achieve it’s a collective effort.
“The other thing I reflected on over the years is the amazing people that I’ve had a chance to work with, who have helped me to grow and improve and become a better leader over the years.
“So, even though Kalmar Richards is being recognised here it’s really a celebration of every individual who has poured into my life and there have been so many from teachers to colleagues to my church community, to my family.
“So, I’ve been tremendously blessed by that and the product you see in front of you is a product of a collective effort of individuals who have put good into my life.
With a legacy component having become a prime aspect of education reform Richards was asked if the Black History Museum at Paget Primary punctuated its essence.
“We’ve had some conversations around that today,” said Richards. “Around how we can capture the history, the legacy of Education in Bermuda.
“The legacy of our skills. What does that look like from a national perspective?
“And so I think the conversation needs to officially start so that we can capture all of the contributions of individuals over the years.
“Because there have been so many people who have contributed to the Bermuda Public School system that has enabled our children. That has enabled our current leaders to become who they are and we really do have to capture that.”
Included among the exhibits giving tribute to Reginald [Toby] Dillas offered a scaled replica of the Bermudiana Hotel where the hotelier spent his career in the hospitality industry.
P6 student Ian Mello, among the young tour guides on hand, told how Dillas’s progress from an entry-level position to upper management was an encouragement to young Bermudians.
“I learned that Mr Dillas was a hard-working person in life,” said Mello. “He worked all the way up from busboy to the general manager of the Bermudiana Hotel in Hamilton.
“He was the first Black general manager of the Bermudiana Hotel and demonstrated how Blacks and Whites should all work together.
“His efforts make me feel supportive, happy and all the good emotions, knowing that we can work together as one.”
Well written. Lots of details. Congratsc to the teachers students and parents. Thanks to the writer.