A former premier, an activist and a club president discussed the history of a Devonshire building this week.

Glenn Fubler, who organised an event in front of the building on Jubilee Road, highlighted how it was the original home of Elliot Primary School, which was formed by 12 former enslaved men in 1848.

He said: “What they were doing was setting a standard for even the current generation, and their example was even encouraged by the governor at the time, Governor Elliot. Hence the name of the school.”

According to Mr Fubler, people can still learn from and admire the courage those men had more than 175 years ago.

He said: “They didn’t sit back and complain; they did something.”

William Usher, the president of Wolves Sports Club, which trains on Elliot Primary’s field on Hermitage Road, said the club is a result of these men’s actions and encouraged young people to learn more about this heritage.

After Elliot Primary moved in 1926, the building was home to Howard Academy, originally called Skinner’s School.

National heroes Sir John Swan and Pauulu Kamarakefego, as well as Ottiwell Simmons, former president of the Bermuda Industrial Union, attended Howard Academy, which shut its doors in 1965.

Sir John said: “What was here historically is still here, but the most important thing is what left from here and went throughout Bermuda to make their contributions in nursing, science and teaching was incredible.”

Reflecting on the founders of Elliot Primary and Edwin Skinner, who established Howard Academy, the former premier added: “These men were not afraid to do what they had to do. They had love for their country and their fellow man. They went from fear to love.

“When you go from fear to love, you can do enormous things, because you have the energy and sense of mind to get it done.”

Kentoine Jennings, a descendant of two of Elliot Primary’s founders, and Eduoard Williams, a member of the Progressive Group, which organised the 1959 Theatre Boycott, were also at the event on Monday.

Mr Fubler said: “The group’s first secret meeting took place in the home of Eduoard and Roslyn Williams, and Ms Williams taught P5 at Elliot.”

People can learn more about the building and the Progressive Group at a family event on Sunday.

Participants will meet at Christ Church in Devonshire at 3pm, walk over to the original Elliot building and drive to the school’s present campus before visiting the home where the first Progressive Group meetings took place near Flatts Field.

A minibus will provide free transportation to those who may need it during the event, which will take place on February 18 in the event of rain.