Pupils at a primary school celebrated island heroes as part of Black History Month yesterday.

Youngsters at Northlands Primary in Pembroke were taught about football and cricket legend Calvin “Bummy” Symonds, a former pupil.

They also learnt about Mary Prince, the former slave who became a hero of the abolitionist movement in Britain after the publication of her book, The History of Mary Prince, in 1831.

The school’s courtyard was named after Mr Symonds in a ceremony last month.

The second day of Cup Match, formerly called Somers Day, was renamed Mary Prince Day after MPs amended legislation a few weeks ago.

The Community Affairs Ministry has sought to heighten community awareness about individuals who have made significant contributions to Bermuda by renaming notable buildings and dates.

Recent examples include the renaming the Centre on Angle Street and gym to the Sammy Wilson Central Zone Community Centre and Clarence Hill Multi-purpose Gymnasium.

Lovitta Foggo, the Minister of Labour, Community Affairs and Sport, notes that these “symbolic gestures afford all of Bermuda to learn more about our shared history.”