Two trailblazers are to be celebrated at a dinner to mark Black History Month at the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club.

Ruth Thomas and Gil Tucker will speak about their personal experiences and the importance of black history at the event.

Ms Thomas, a teacher and education administrator, said: “I am thrilled that Hamilton Princess & Beach Club has created this special event which gives us the opportunity, not only to celebrate black history, but Bermudian black history.

“It is important to remember that Bermudian black history is Bermudian history.”

Ms Thomas helped create Bermuda’s first government preschools and became the education officer responsible for early childhood education in 1972.

She was also the island’s first cultural affairs officer and has worked for years on the preservation of Bermuda’s history and traditions.

Mr Tucker said: “I am incredibly touched and surprised to have been honoured by Hamilton Princess & Beach Club as one of their honourees for their 2020 Black History Month celebrations.

“I look forward to sharing my thoughts with attendees and hope that it is an enjoyable and educational night for all.”

Mr Tucker is a leader in the Bermuda business community.

He was one of the first black pupils to attend Saltus Grammar School after desegregation and is now chairman of the school’s board of trustees.

He later enjoyed a distinguished career at professional services firm EY for 40 years, where he started as an accountancy student and worked his way up to chairman before he retired in 2015.

A four-year university scholarship is awarded every year in his honour.

Mr Tucker is the acting director of HSBC Bermuda, a member of the Government’s Fiscal Responsibility Panel and an executive member of Bermuda First, a Government economic think-tank.

Guests will be able to rub shoulders with the honourees at a short reception before the dinner.

Some of the proceeds from the event will be donated to the Bermuda National Gallery and cancer charity PALS.

Ms Thomas picked BNG as a beneficiary and Mr Tucker opted for PALS.

Danai Hongwanishkul, the head chef of Marcus’, created the menu for the event to reflect the pair’s favourite dishes and culinary memories.

The menu will include roasted acorn squash bruschetta, pumpkin soup with green tomato chutney, rack of lamb with pawpaw casserole and tiramisu made with Gosling’s black rum and Devil’s Isle coffee.

Tim Morrison, the Hamilton Princess general manager, said: “Last year’s events were a wonderful way to celebrate Black History Month in Bermuda so we are delighted to be doing it again this year.

“Ruth Thomas and Gil Tucker are two fascinating individuals who have very different but vital, interesting stories to share.

“It promises to be a memorable night and I look forward to seeing everyone there.”

Former premiers Sir John Swan and Dame Jennifer Smith were honoured last year.

• The dinner will be on February 29, starting at 7pm. Tickets are available from ptix.bm for $85, plus gratuities, or $130 including wine pairings, plus gratuities. For more information, e-mail HAM.Diningreservations@Fairmont.com