Last Saturday evening I joined a number of folks on the Live in Peace walk, which began at Parsons Road Park; an event initiated by Desmond Crockwell, a longtime activist, focused on addressing the cycle of violence. The procession – as per “Dezi’s” trademark – was led by the SMS Gombey troupe.

The occasion was extraordinary in various ways; including having several “guest” snare-drummers, making 12 – complemented by two bass drummers, one of which was a woman. Aaee. ooo!

Dezi welcomed those gathered, highlighting the theme of “peace and love”, and referenced recent traumatic violence, resulting in the loss of a whole family, three months ago. On that note he invited everyone to hug at least one other person.

We then set off towards Victor Scott School, bouncing along to the drum beat, before making the steep climb up to the junction with Friswells Hill Road.

Along that winding throughway, I experienced relevant memories – having grown up in nearby North Village. I recalled that there were many iconic families rooted in Friswells Hill, who have made significant contributions to Bermuda. Below; I share a snippet regarding a few of those.

Just entering that road I saw Mr Famous, who I recall building his home – block by block, on weekends – in the late 1970s, with the help of his nephew, Wendell. Further on I recognised the home of the late Dorothy Hughes, an iconic Sunday School Teacher at St Paul AME.

I also recalled the former home of my late uncle Ronald and aunt Rose; who had hosted Easter Sunday gatherings over decades for our extended family.

I also recognised the homestead of the family of a deceased friend, Nelson Bascome, whose legacy has impacted the Island. It dawned on me that those of us on the Live in Peace walk were being “carried on the shoulders” of the likes of Nelson.

I also saw the former Borderline Grocery, boarded-up for decades, displaced by “progress”. The name reminds us that the portion of the road borders Pembroke and Devonshire. In fact, it is a segment of a tribe road, a legacy system that had facilitated access across the island.

That stretch of road included the Carey’s, Moore’s, Woodley’s and DeVent’s, among others.

The procession paused at the junction with South Terrace Lane, where the tragedy took place. Dezi called for a minute’s silence, followed by another invitation for participants to hug each other, offering emotional release.

While looking down that lane, I caught a glimpse of the beautiful house that “Bermuda hero”, Roosevelt Pauulu Karekefego Brown, had extensively renovated in the early 1990s. “Rooze” accomplished that, mostly on his own – around 60 years of age – achieving a renaissance of that home. That same spirit of renewal calls us to address the challenging 2020s.

From there we proceeded towards Roberts Avenue, near the National Stadium and returned to Parsons Road – making a water-stop in Deep Dale, before returning to the park.

After Dezi thanked all involved, a mother shared some of her personal journey of challenge and that of her children, while clearly exemplifying a spirit manifesting: “Still, I rise.”

Dennis Bean – who had been freely demonstrating his passion for dance – reminded those gathered that he had “been there, done that”, but that he was leveraging his personal transformation, to foster renewed community.

I reminded parents gathered that they are not alone. Citing the SMS Gombey slogan, “It takes a village to raise a child”, I added that an event is being planned for Saturday, October 12, promoting that spirit.

Aaee. ooo!

• Glenn Fubler represents Imagine Bermuda