The spirit of unity and fighting for justice was at the centre of a ceremony ringing in the Emancipation Day holiday.

Citizen Uprooting Racism in Bermuda gathered activists at Freedom Square in front of City Hall in Hamilton this afternoon to acknowledge the roots of the holiday.

Lisa Reed, the executive officer of the Bermuda Human Rights Commission, reminded the public that the fight for human rights was an ongoing battle.

She said: “We see human rights violations broadcast in real time, from Myanmar to Congo, the United States of America and the ongoing genocide in Palestine, just to name a few.

“If we are not careful, we can become immune to these realities – or worse yet, seek to justify them.”

Ms Reed added: “As we commemorate the formal end of the enslavement in Bermuda, we must stay vigilant.

“Emancipation did not equate to liberation.”

The ceremony celebrated 190 years of the emancipation of enslaved Black people after Britain’s Slavery Abolition Act 1833, which went into effect the next year.

It was attended by several MPs, including Michael Weeks, the Minister of National Security, and Tinée Furbert, the Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors.

Owen Darrell, the Minister of Culture and Sport, called the two-day Cup Match holiday “a time for reflection, celebration and unity”, as well as an occasion to remember those who fought for liberty.

He saluted “their courage and determination for the freedoms that we cherish and enjoy today”.

“As we stand here on the eve of our Cup Match holiday, we are reminded of the significance of the origins.

“This beloved tradition, which started as a celebration by Black Bermudians to honour emancipation, is rooted in resilience and solidarity.”

Mr Darrell added: “Those who fought for freedom did so not just for themselves, but for the future generations as well.

“Their legacy is a call for all of us to continue striving for justice and equality in every aspect of our lives.”

Aaron Crichlow, the founder of Bermuda Is Love, called upon young people to continue the fight for liberty and equality.

He reminded them that they “stand on the shoulders of giants” and that it was everyone’s responsibility to fight to leave a better world for themselves and the coming generation.

Mr Crichlow added: “Today, I’m representing just one small piece of the ever-growing movements of young people leading the way towards a society that is built and grounded on the love and the liberation of all people.

“We must help and empower each other. We must define ourselves by the very love – the very kindness, compassion and empathy – that we show to others.

“We must look to better ourselves from within, as well as change or challenge systems of oppression.

“It is our responsibility as young people, as humans and as Bermudians.

“As we move on from today’s celebration, let us remember that the movement for emancipation did not end in 1834 and that this movement continues today.

“It depends on each and every one of us to uphold rights, to be change-makers and to lead with love in our hearts.”