July 3, 2013Dear Sir,Here is a historical coincidence.Some 60 years ago, a music teacher, one Joseph Richards struggled to teach to a class of young, black students a song called ‘The Invictus’. The song was to be sung on a special occasion which was held annually, at The Berkeley Institute.The Berkeley Institute was a unique secondary school which was established to educate students regardless of race during a period in Bermuda when racism was rampant and the order of things.I cannot remember the exact date, but the choir stood on the steps of the upper porch of The Berkeley Institute and received a standing ovation for two renditions: ‘The Invictus’ and ‘Home on the Range’.Many years later, I have learned that Nelson Mendela, one of Africa most revered leaders, took great inspiration from the poem ‘The Invictus’.The point of this letter, Mr Acting Editor is:1. Where was Nelson Mendela on the day that a choir of young black children in a segregated society, was gustily singing a song written from a poem which inspired him and lifted his spirits while he was being persecuted in his own segregated society?2. I wonder how many of that choir is still alive or who even remember the incident.CLEVELYN CRICHLOW