Students Honour Black Bermudian Icons
[Written by Patrick Bean]
“A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.” – Marcus Garvey
It is never easy to follow in the footsteps of success, yet Elliott Primary School’s inaugural public display of poignant historical expression: ‘Legacy of Excellence: A Black Bermudian Gallery’, designed along a line similar to that of Paget Primary’s Black History Museum, deserves commendations all its own.
The school body successfully achieved its goal of presenting and explaining the foundational role of heritage in shaping identity and continuity within the Black experience.
Made naked in a manner of simplicity was the oppression-fueled crisis pinned upon Black Bermudians, which facilitated great struggle, perseverance and the continued fight towards equality for all humanity.
More than 12 individuals and two group sectors were presented with awards in recognition of their achievements to a packed, energised assembly comprising Bermuda Governor Andrew Murdoch, students, parents, relatives, politicians, media and allies within and without the movement to end racial prejudice and disparity.
The opening ceremony featured pupils performing various dances, speeches, skits, and group choruses, along with videos.
Hall rooms and classrooms were creatively adorned with historical items, many describing times of chattel slavery, indentured servitude and the Jim Crow era marginalisation of Bermuda’s population of African descendants.
Among those featured for their varied, impactful contributions to past and modern society were the likes of Egbert [Monty] Montague Sheppard, a pioneer in Black local television broadcasting, banking, real estate, construction and retail industry operations; Katura Horton-Perinchief, the first Black woman to compete in diving at the Olympics; Mary Prince, the first Black woman to publish an autobiography of her experience as an enslaved person; Bermuda’s first female Premier Dame Pamela Gordon and her legendary father, Dr E.F. Gordon, himself a former Black political leader; prominent cultural and sporting figure Zaniko Hendrickson.
The classroom of veteran educator Anthony Critchlow reverberated with teachings referencing both the ‘quiet’ protest movements of the Progressive Group, as well as the bodacious activity surrounding the Brotherhood, led by the charismatically aggressive Rev. Dr. Kingsley.
Meanwhile, Professor Dr. Michael Bradshaw, President of the Bermuda Friendly Societies Association and school counsellor Don Vickers readily dispensed information relevant to the Island’s Friendly Societies, largely responsible for the instituting of educational facilities catering to Blacks, with Elliott Primary being one such example.
“What pleases me most is that, one, it’s something that we’re doing in the primary schools,” said Dr. Bradshaw. “Because we need people to know their history; know their culture; know what they have achieved as a community.
“The Friendly Societies are all about that, and Mr. Vickers has pulled this together.
“In this room, when we look at the exhibit, for example, it says about social justice; it says about self-reliance; it says about empowerment, three principal themes, which are things which we want for all of our children.
“Because if we get to these children and have them understand and do these things while young, they will automatically grow up as adults who believe and practice social justice, who practice self-reliance and who practice empowerment.
“And if we do those, we surely have a better life. Not just for yourself, but for each other.”
“Because that’s what it’s all about. Building community, recognising each other’s humanity, and being able to do something rather than waiting for somebody else to do it for you.”
Governor Murdoch was likewise impressed by the presentations, noting the importance of understanding the shared heritage contained within and beyond local shores.
“We had the assembly, and in walking around, seeing the displays, I think they’ve done a really amazing job,” he commented. “Thanks to the teachers for putting it all together. I think it’s inspirational. And I think all the kids that we’ve spoken to are really proud of what they’ve done.
“They’ve also found out a little bit more about their own shared heritage as well. So, I think it’s a great endeavour.”
Student Zaileen Bruno proudly spoke of a fruitful learning experience researching and designing a detailed exhibit featuring Mr. Montague, along with her classmates, over a six-week period.
“It was a really interesting project,” explained the 12-year-old, beaming with excitement. “At first, I didn’t really know about him, so I just did some research and started learning more.
“It was really interesting because it’s good to learn history from other places that I’m not from, which is kind of cool.
“It’s important to know history, because we can learn from other people’s mistakes and grow from there.
“At first, we had a lot of trouble creating things because we had a lot of things to do, and I really thought we wouldn’t get this done on time, but at least now we have enough, and we’re proud of the end result.”
Likewise, the Social Studies Committee was satisfied with the outcome, as they worked together to bring the vision to life and ensure the event’s success.
Lead member Patrika Dill could not overstate the value of the endeavour to both the immediate and wider community, as an exercise of worthy emulation.
“I’m excited that, and happy that the teachers came together and worked with our parents, our principal, basically our whole community, in a collaborative effort to make sure that our children are learning about our history,” said committee head Patrika Dill. “The students were able to see the work that people put into becoming great at what they wanted to be.
“They were inspired to learn about people and their journey.
“Our theme for this year is E4, Elliot Eagles, Empowering Excellence. “One of the purposes of our gallery was not just to teach but to empower students to be excellent by showing them what excellence looks like, and I believe the displays well reflect what they have learned.”
Zane Hendrickson, the brother of the recently departed cultural hero, was overwhelmed by the massive tribute constructed in reverence of his brother – and Elliott alumnus – Zaniko Hendrickson, co-owner of H&H Gombeys, Comet sailor and former commodore of Mid Atlantic Boat Club.
Built by the hands of Ethel Liverpool, a founding figure in the formation of Paget Primary’s Black History Museum, the creation exploded in a bevy of brilliant colour, fabric, mirrors, including the life-long gombey’s bow and arrow, headwear, drums and cape and hat.
Topping off the exhibit was a full-sized sailboat, which emphasized Hendrickson’s love for local waters.
“This is an honour,” said Zane, prominent in his own right as a goalkeeper for North Village and Bermuda. “It’s a big honour for my family and for me.
“My brother would be honoured today.
“If he were here, he would be smiling. He was a man of few words, but he’d be smiling. He’d be a happy person right now, seeing this celebration of our Black History.
“From sailing to Comets, to football, just doing stuff around the community for children. We both love to do stuff for the children … anybody, really.
“He was a good man. He was a very good man. This would make him proud.”
Liverpool, who has a grandchild that attends the Devonshire school, raised the idea of having the establishment duplicate what Paget had done based on words spoken by former Education Minister Diallo Rabain.
Told of this, Rabain was modestly pleased, saying: “That I didn’t know.
“I knew she had retired, but I was glad to see she came back, and she’s actually doing work down here.
“As soon as I heard that this was happening, I made it a point to make sure that I was here this morning for sure.
“She actually just stays around here. I’m excited that it has moved to Elliott Primary, and I hope to see it in other schools as well.”
“As Minister Furbert said, this is not something we should just celebrate one month of the year. This should be celebrated every day of the year.
“Black history is critically important to the history of Bermuda, and it should be intertwined in something that is ongoing throughout the year, reinforcing our children as to our culture.”
The entire list of student honourees included:
- Champs and Yettis: The Gentlemen of the Game
- Primary 1 Gilbert: Katura Horton-Perinchief
- Primary 2 Eversley: Mary Prince
- Primary 2 McCrary: Shaun Goater
- Primary 3 Rayner: Clyde Best
- Primary 3 Smith: Cathy Bassett
- Primary 4 Khan: Dage Minors
- Primary 4 Simmons: Dr. E.F. Gordon
- Primary 5 Crichlow: Rev. Dr. Kingsley Tweed
- Primary 5 James: Mrs. Veronica Chameau
- Y6: Dame Pamela Gordon & Dr E.F. Gordon
- Y7: Ms Dill: Egbert Montague Sheppard
- Mrs. Aberdeen: Rev. Dr. Kingsly Tweed
- Mr. Vickers: The Friendly Society
- Ms. Liverpool: Zaniko Hendrickson
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