Joy Cora Elizabeth Wilson-Tucker, a noted Bermudian author and historian, succinctly portrays numerous reflections of Bermuda's most accomplished black citizens in her book, "Lest We Forget- They Paved the Way''.

The years of history she has recorded and the captivating biographical interviews are precious gifts to our community.

This book is truly an excellent source of knowledge on Bermuda's Black History which took three and a half years to write.

"Lest We Forget'' reads very well as the people are interesting and the photographs, maps and drawings are diverse. One readily senses the author's love and interest for her community.

"I tried to take a photograph of my subjects when I interviewed them and my daughter Lorrita did some of the drawings. Some of the drawings are archive sketches too.'' In the introduction Ms Wilson-Tucker writes: "We have a rich heritage, and should feel proud of it...In writing this book I have covered a cross section of Bermudians - feature articles, photos and news clippings that should interest persons from all walks of life.'' There are many compelling stories but one of the most mesmerising is about former Premier, John W. Swan, entitled, "The Man at the Top: A man with a Dream''. The author describes him as "a quiet, shy and very sincere person, this young man I've known since childhood.'' Some of Mr. Swan's early childhood was lived on the main road of North Shore and he was a paper boy who had earned savings as early as age eight.

As a young man he was far from aspiring a politician career and chose to become a car mechanic once he left Howard Academy.

One day he removed the grease pan from a car and it poured all over him. After he cleaned up he went home and told his parents he wanted to go away to school.

His education at Virgina's Wesleyan College prepared him for his future and in January 1982 he was the youngest Premier ever to head the Bermuda Government and the United Bermuda Party.

When asked to name a few of her favourite subjects were she mentioned the following persons: "Mrs. Doris Corbin who devoted 41 years of her life as a primary school teacher, organist of St. Paul's, and received in 1980 the Certificate and Badge of Honour by the Queen for her service as a choral director, teacher and an official of the Girl Guide Movement.'' "The Canon Thomas Nisbett receipent of many awards such as Citizen of the Year and African Heroes Service Award in 1986, and ordained Deacon in 1962 and Priest in 1963.'' "The late Mrs. Hyacinth Jones from North Village attended Central School and opened a guest house called, "Hi-Roy Guest House''. She was a dedicated member of St. Paul's A.M.E.'' "Ottiwell Simmons a gentleman committed to involvement and dedicated to his church. He was a member of the North Village Band. He was Union President and Member of Parliament.'' "I have known all of these people since I was a child. I learned of their struggles and I admire their involvement in the community and churches. In many ways their determinations helped others succeed.'' Mrs. Wilson-Tucker was born at North Shore, Pembroke, East Bermuda and is the youngest daughter of William F. Wilson, Sr., and Ismay Dill Wilson.

When she was about 12 years old she knew she wanted to be a writer.

"My school teacher cut up pictures and placed them on the blackboard and the students would write a short story about it,'' she reflected.

Her first publish was a poem written in 1968 entitled, "A Mother's Fear'' and she has come a long way since then as she has written four books and many poems.

The list of her literary credits is extensive and includes Bermuda and numerous countries abroad.

She was the winner of Bermuda's First Heritage Contest, Poetry in 1983 called "Forget Us Not'' and also received an honourable mention for "Evergreen in Beauty''.

Locals may know of her personal manuscript written July 1983 entitled, "Bermuda, Isle of My Heritage.'' In 1986 she was accepted into St. George's Secondary School's Local Hall of Fame and received the Queens Certificate and Badge of Honour 1991.

Currently she continues to write poetry and in the future she hopes to develop her artistic ability, paint and write a series of short stories about growing up in Bermuda.

"The accomplishments I pride the most are: "My many publications: poems, books and articles.

"I was instrumental in founding the first Black Bermudian Heritage Museum in St. George's along with the committee, Bermuda Heritage Association.

"I was listed in "Daughters of Africa'' a publication of Africa in 1989.

"Receiving the Queen's Badge of Honour in 1991.

"Lecture Master and Installing Master of Loyal May Flower Lodge and making my debut as guest speaker for the lodge's guest speaker during its 120th anniversary on November 1999.'' "Working in my community and the North Village Savings Club and helping a cross section of individuals save money.'' When asked about her predictions for the future she responded: "People are going to become more interested in their family roots and the truth of Bermuda's history from the Black perspective.

"I hope for positive changes in our educational system and feel people are becoming more aware of the importance of education.

"Before this century ends, Bermuda will gain its independence through the sheer will of people wishing for it.

"Our Island will become more empowered in the medical fields and implement more treatments here.

She is very involved with St. Paul's Church and is president of the Senior Usher Board.

In conclusion she pensively remarked: "I am a dreamer. First I dream and then I try to achieve. You have to dream and go from there.'' Talented author and historian: Joy Wilson-Tucker has written a host of biographical interviews in her book, "Lest We Forget -They Paved the Way''.