THE state of the black community, and what can be done to repair any fractures, will be discussed in the first of a series of forums at St. Paul's Centennial Hall next week.

Panellists are inviting members of the public to attend, and address the issues they feel most important in hopes that, together, those present can come up with tangible solutions.

The event is being put on by the Grassroots Alliance, a recent amalgamation of a group of organisations, not necessarily partisan based, and which is devoted to making a better Bermuda for everyone.

"The Alliance recognises that, at present, there's a void in the community in regards to connecting with the youth," explained panellist Gavin Smith. "There is a large disparity between wall sitters and office dwellers and someone needs to try and join the two.

"What we've planned is basically a three-part series and we want everyone from the wall, to the executive offices, to come and take part in a general discussion on the state of the black community in Bermuda and how we can repair ourselves and go forward as a united nation."

In addition to Mr. Smith, the event - moderated by Rolfe Commissiong - will draw on the diverse experiences of Julian Hall, Transport Minister Dr. Ewart Brown, Claudette Fleming, Eugenie Simmons, Dr. Eva Hodgson, George Scott and former Police Commissioner Lenny Edwards.

According to Mr.Smith, the event was born out of the increasing discontent felt - and expressed - by many members of the Bermuda community.

"If you look at the population of Bermuda there's always been a black majority but, historically, that group has been the most disenfranchised aspect of the community," he said. "Because of that, young people have felt they haven't any reason to get involved in society outside of those things involving their age groups.

"They go from being loved and adored by their families to a period where they're left to their own devices. And so you have people giving up, feeling as though it doesn't matter what they say.

"We've seen so much violence in the community in recent years. You hear people on the talk shows every day speaking about the youth - how gangs are going crazy; you hear Government saying there's a need for increased military presence. We must stop trying to control the effects of bad times and fix the bad times.

"There's violence, problems with jobs and general discontent and there are people who feel their voice isn't being heard.

"And, as in any society, when people get pissed off, they react. Those are the types of frustrations which might be expressed by people running across football fields with machetes. And while it's perhaps not a direct correlation to (the state of) Government, it's definitely a result of the alienation of young black men on the island."

The forum, said Mr. Smith, was a chance for the public to address those issues, come up with solutions and see they were enforced. And he encouraged, especially, those in their late teens and twenties, to come out and share their opinions with the panel.

"In the past, people have gotten together to talk and, where we want to do that, we also want to provide solutions. We want the whole community to feel involved so they will be more willing to support, and abide by, the solutions we come up with.

"Something needs to be done - especially this year, there's the upcoming election, there's war on the streets here and war is a reality abroad.

"It seems the generation we looked up to to guide us is as lost as we are. So as we're the ones guiding the next generation, it's time for us to learn our role. Today, people don't speak up because they feel no one wants to listen.

"I am 24. At the moment, the largest voting demographic is mine. It's largely believed that we were responsible for the Progressive Labour Party's (PLP) 1998 victory. (The) turnout in my age group was significantly larger than times before that. It's time to let (my peers) know their power; to let them know that they do have a choice.

"The lesson that we learned from that election was that we have a powerful voice and have to start shaping Bermuda into the image of what we want to see and what we feel we need. If they were to attend, (younger people) would be amazed at the respect they would get."

The feeling that prevailed for approximately the last year after 1998 General Election was one that, if maintained, could do wonders for the community, he said.

"The euphoria everyone felt (after the last election) needs to be maintained," he added. "People should be that excited about their country and their Government on a regular basis. I'd rather see a society that feels they're more a part. I believe it was Ghandi who said, 'Be the change that you want to see in the world'. Hopefully, the forum will lead to people feeling part of that change."

q Black Agenda 2003, The State of the Black Community in Bermuda, will be held on Thursday, April 3 at 7 p.m. at St. Paul's Centennial Hall. Admission is free.

See also Newsmaker on page 5