Alpheaus Calvin “Artie’” Black, MBE, was a great man. He was born and raised in an era when persons in influential positions for varying reasons went out of their way to drive home the thought that “When you are black you are way back”.

The thought was a great propaganda tool for those not genuinely committed to the dynamics of an integrated “One Bermuda”. Those at the other end of the pole had different hopes and expectations. They countered with their arguments and true expressions about the blacker the berry, the sweeter the juice.

Artie was inescapably black, in name, looks and attitude.

We never got the impression there was anything bordering on the flamboyance that pertained to Alpheaus “Artie” Black. However he seemed to supersede flamboyance by just being himself; super as a blacksmith businessman, expert as a barber, great soccer player, good musician an exemplary family man and a highly esteemed gentleman.

That was Artie Black in a few words, at least, as far as this writer got to know and respect him.

Artie was born April 3, 1925. December 16 of that same year was my birth date. He was the oldest son of nine born to the late John Calvin and Mary Elizabeth (DeSheilds) Black. There were eight siblings in my family, I was the eldest boy and third child.

On the surface, it would seem we had a lot in common. The psychological thinking of the day and time was impactful.

We were told by our elders: “You are who you think you are”, on the other hand there were those who feared black empowerment and would go to great lengths to create inferiority complexes and division contending: “When you are black, you are way back”, and there in lay the claim that “White is right”.

Artie went to work for Englishman Fred Knight on Reid Street, learning the fundamentals of blacksmithery. He was a diligent apprentice and after six years he became the head mechanic. In 1953, with failing health, Mr Knight offered the business to Artie, who transferred the operation from Reid Street northwards to King Street where Artie’s legacy will forever remain as Black’s Metal Works.

Political activists were well aware at that time there were two Bermudas. There was the minority one dominated by the old slave masters who seized every opportunity to manifest their assumed degrees of superiority. And there was the other Bermuda, the segregated blacks, the former slaves with proven track records as builders and producers, although until Emancipation Day, August 1, 1834 they were never paid for their labour.

Earlier reference was drawn to what it seemed that Artie Black and yours truly had in common. My West End Primary School Master, Victor Scott, was appointed to Central School, Pembroke where Artie attended, and its Master, Isaac Henry, came to Somerset. The two Masters, who hailed from Jamaica, were firm in their conviction about developing strong black men. Artie was the ace sportsman disciplined on the field of sports. Yours truly, lost out in that realm, being asthmatic.

Ambitious and industrious, he worked as a barber in his spare time. He loved music and at an early age decided to attend night classes to learn theory of music. He played the saxophone, played with North Village Band, and with some of the legendary dance bands of the 50s and Ernie Leader’s band.

Artie played often at the US Naval Base. He also loved to dance and would be seen wherever he knew Oldie Goldie dances would be taking place, kicking and doing his favourite dance move, the Jitter Bug.

He was a devoted father and served on his children’s PTA’s and assisted in organising school fairs. Government Leader Sir Henry Tucker invited him to become the first black trustee of white segregated Whitney Institute, where he diligently served for more than 20 years.

He served on the Pembroke Parish Council, various government boards, committees, the Devonshire Recreation Club and the Pembroke Rest Home.

Accolades and accomplishments extracted from his obituary show that in 1988 he received the Service Award from the Friswell’s Hill Community in honour of appreciation of his faithful, devoted and valuable service to the community.

In 1993 the Ministry of Community and Cultural Affairs saluted and commended him for craftsmanship to the enrichment of Bermuda’s Cultural Heritage.

In 1995 he was awarded a certificate of appreciation for demonstrating a high commitment to the 1st Shell Bay Salvation Army Scout Group.

In 1998 he received a certificate of appreciation from Sandys Lion’s Club for outstanding service.

In 1999 he was awarded a certificate of appreciation at the Whitney School’s career day.

In 2000 he received a certificate of merit from Devonshire Recreation Club for exemplary work in providing a foundation for future generations to build upon, he was also awarded a certificate of appreciation from the Bermuda Business and Professional Women’s Club for his valuable contributions to Bermuda’s musical and entertainment heritage.

In 2001, he was awarded a certificate of appreciation from Emmanuel Baptist church for outstanding community service and recognition for outstanding community service during Seniors’ Week from the Department of Community Affairs.

In 2004 he proudly receivesd his MBE at Buckingham Palace for public service.

The following year he was recognised by the Pembroke Seventh Day Adventist Church for outstanding service for Pembroke East community and by Grace Methodist Church for his outstanding contribution to the community and the people of Bermuda.

In 2008 he was recognised by the Bermuda Small Business for his contribution to North East Hamilton and the Economic Empowerment Zone.

In 2011 the Bermuda Musicians and Variety Artist recognised him for outstanding performances in Bermuda as a saxophone player.

In 2013 the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs honoured his contributions as their community hero during the Emancipation celebration.

Artie’s home going service was at St John’s Anglican Church. Officiating was the South African Rev Musa Daba, who is Rector of Christ Anglican Church, Devonshire.

Artie leaves to mourn his passing, his loving wife Muriel Louise (DeGraf) Black, sons Gaven, Ian (better known as “Woncy” with wife Martha, Curtis DeGraf and daughter Avery. Also numerous, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by siblings Albron “Chump” Black, Sybil Thomas, Ambrosine, Avis, Elspeth and Elmore “Turp” Black.