The anniversary of a landmark secret meeting of activists that led to the ending of racial segregation in Bermuda was marked on Thursday.

The gathering at the Bermuda Industrial Union headquarters commemorated the Progressive Group and its historic meeting on February 8, 1959 at Town Hill in Flatts.

That event, 65 years ago, culminated in the Theatre Boycott of 1959, which targeted segregated cinemas and ended up shaming the island’s institutions into following suit when theatre owners bowed to pressure and dropped the practice.

Glenn Fubler of the community group Imagine Bermuda described the meeting yesterday as an “interactive gathering”, opening with the recognition of three Progressive Group members: Izola Harvey, Florenz Maxwell and Erskine Simmons.

For decades, the group kept the identities of its members a secret, fearing reprisals from the island’s political and business establishment.

Mr Fubler said the milestone was commemorated with the theme of “always learning”, aimed at drawing lessons that could bring about the move towards “a better Bermuda”.

Guests included representatives of the faith, charity and arts communities, with union officials and directors of several government departments.

The discussions were joined by six students from the Berkeley Institute.

Discussions included members of Citizens Uprooting Racism in Bermuda.

The Progressive Group’s historic session led to a peaceful boycott of segregated theatres in June 1959. The outpouring of support surprised many on the island.

It coincided with the commemorations of Bermuda’s 350th anniversary.

The boycotts, accompanied by large public demonstrations, achieved their goal in only two weeks, with cinemas opening their doors that July with segregation taken down.

Hotels and other institutions followed suit.

Mr Fubler said that the details from the gathering at the BIU and the group’s proposals would be shared later.

The theme of “always learning” will be carried into the weekend, with family events to be held this Sunday also commemorating the 175th anniversary of Elliot Primary School in Devonshire.

Events are scheduled to begin at 3pm from Christ Church in Devonshire, with a walk to the original Elliot School, followed by a drive to its present site on Hermitage Road.

The meeting of the Progressive Group will be commemorated with guests parking at the Whitney Institute Middle School and walking to Flatts.