Bermuda is undergoing a challenging period of change, which could be affecting how we deal with a wide range of sensitive issues. Our Island has endured numerous difficult times over many decades, and despite grave social injustices of the past, our survival seems to have been rooted in a cultural foundation, that transcended the obstacles standing in the way of freedom and justice for all.

The post-slavery era was perhaps more challenging than slavery itself, as was the case in many countries large and small. While the pages of history contain great wrongs committed by people with power, those pages also contain many instances where the human spirit rose above the evil efforts to suppress, and in those moments, black and white heroes emerged. In fact, the names of many of those heroes will probably never hold any status in written history, but it was largely through their willingness to reach a higher ground of freedom, that paved the way to what we have today.

History can never be re-written, and neither can those who committed great wrongs be hauled before courts to answer to acts against the code of decency, and respect for all human beings. It is important that the dark human experiences of the past must never be forgotten, to avoid history repeating itself.

There are still mountains to climb to reach the highest peak of true justice for all, but as climbers in a new day of justice and freedom, it is equally important to be aware that in that climb, unless we are free from seeking revenge, we could be dragging negative baggage, which will make the climb more challenging.

The recent observances of the 55th anniversary of the successful theatre boycott is to be applauded, since many walls of discrimination in Bermuda crumbled, as the long road to social harmony began.

It should also be noted that not every movie theatre on the Island was segregated. The colonial Opera House which was located on Victoria Street, with a large balcony, and a smaller theatre on Angle Street, operated by a white man, never had segregation. Sadly, the Playhouse, and the Island Theatre adopted a policy that could never stand the test of time.

In a strange way, their policy provided incentive for examining discrimination in other areas of public life, including hotels, where local musicians could entertain visitors, but not their own families. It was a challenging time for the human spirit. Had it not been for a deep cultural pride, and a belief that Bermuda had great potential, with a mixture of wonderful people, progress could have been even more difficult.

Along that road, there is much to celebrate in Bermuda, including the fact that Bermuda’s first licensed embalmer was a black man named Cecil Walker Frith. During the post war years, when the United States had an air force base at the East End, he was contracted to handle any situations that required his services. He was outstanding in his professionalism, and perhaps helped others to achieve success in the business.

There are countless stories of men and women who lived during challenging social times, but never allowed negative conditions to dim their ambitions to make a contribution to their homeland and its people.

Bermuda is still facing numerous problems that require positive attitudes from all sides, if we are to move ahead, as one people.

Anger and bitterness will never change anything from the past, but we could alter the future by better understanding our differences, and that as Bermudians, irrespective of race or religious beliefs, our future will depend on how close we are willing to work together.

It could be a good time to reflect on our root culture and values that have been proven to stand the test of time. Trying to move ahead without values, would be like trying to fly an aircraft without fuel.

Our leaders must never shift from keeping good values at the top of their agenda.