Tomorrow, head to the Bermuda Industrial Union, where Peggy Burns is putting the spotlight on three local authors. It is part of her longstanding mission to highlight Black Bermudian writers — a commitment she first put into action in 2003.

The books range in price from $10 to $30 and can be bought outright or through a layaway plan. Ms Burns sees Labour on the March: The Story of the Labour Day by Alvin Williams and Leleath Bailey; The History of the Bermuda Industrial Union by Ira Philip; and Our Lady of Labour: Dr Barbara B Ball by Ottiwell Simmons as good reads, but also essential tools for preserving history and passing it on to younger generations. Below, she explains why.

Q: What inspired you to organise BIU’s Book Sales Blitz?

A: These books make thoughtful and welcome gifts for family members, friends and others here and abroad, including persons wishing to create a home-based library or add new titles to their existing bookcase. They are an excellent substitute for the usual balloons and flowers given to graduates. Books have a long life – unlike balloons and flowers. Grandparents, these books will be one grand way you may invest in your grandchildren's education. I chose the BIU headquarters as the venue because everything to do with this entire event has relevance to the place: the three stories are about the BIU, the books are kept there and it’s conveniently located.

Q: Can you share more details about the books? Why are they important?

A: As none of them will be reprinted, I think that now qualifies them as “collectibles”. They all speak to the evolution of the BIU, founded in 1946 – the catalyst responsible for laying the foundation for a better quality of life for the disenfranchised in Bermuda, the majority of whom, at that time, were Black. Fast forward to the present, and then take a look back over the landscape of time: all of Bermuda has enjoyed or benefited, in one way or another, from a fruitful harvest born out of the personal sacrifices, hardships, blood, sweat, and tears of the BIU’s membership.

Q: You mentioned layaway plans. How will that work?

A: Anyone wishing to make a purchase who doesn’t have the full sum need not fear losing out because I will put their selections on layaway and arrange a comfortable sliding payment plan for them.

Q: You have been selling books by Black Bermudian authors since 2003. What drives your passion?

A: Knowledge applied is wisdom, and wisdom is wealth. I’m an avid reader. It’s one way I get to travel the world safely and inexpensively while remaining at home. It drives me to my “look, think, plan, act” terminal, where it stimulates or provokes my natural genius, which fires me with enthusiasm and then I have to get up and align my energy with my physical body. Reading illuminates those dark places in my mind. I cherish these two sayings: reading educates the world and opens doors to opportunities; reading opens doors to enlightenment.

Q: What has been the biggest challenge in getting these books into the hands of readers?

A: Developing/triggering interest and distracting them from their electronic handheld devices, of which they are inseparable. Nicholas Negroponte, founder of One Laptop per Child, predicted that physical books will become obsolete in the future. I cannot recall who quoted the following, so I’ll paraphrase: one day a person is going to sight a book in the street, will kick it aside and exclaim, ‘What is that?’

Q: What do you think makes the three books particularly relevant today, especially for younger generations?

A: If members of the younger generations wish to attain and maintain self-sufficient and self-sustainable lives then they would need to apply themselves to the study of these history books written for, by and about us, and engage in conversation (real talk) about what they learn. They could even form a book club. It will boost their level of consciousness and intelligence, which are life preservers. It will shape good behaviour and our community will benefit.

Conversely, the lack of critical information will affect one’s consciousness, and often times leads to lethargy followed by regression; a return to those places where even angels would fear to tread. If we fail to learn the lessons of our past or history we are bound to make worse mistakes. The books portray, in photos and invaluable content, the evolution of Black life in Bermuda, circa the early 1950s to 2003, involving numerous persons who participated in various movements: political, social and economic struggles of the day; thereby paving the way for succeeding generations. Acknowledging that we are standing on the shoulders of great men and women – some of whom we are related to – is uplifting and makes one proud. However, we would not want to walk in their shoes. The subject books are in our schools but I cannot say if they are being or have been studied.

• BIU’s Book Sales Blitz will take place tomorrow and also March 15, 22 and 29 from 9am until 2pm in the Dr EF Gordon Memorial Hall at the BIU headquarters in Hamilton. Books can also be bought by contacting Peggy Burns directly on 297-1624 or nanapeggy@livenet.bm