An international anti-racism activist last night won a standing ovation for the final talk in his whirlwind lecture tour of Bermuda.

American Tim Wise got a resounding reception from a mixed race audience at St. Paul's Centennial AME Church.

As reported in yesterday's , Mr. Wise delivered a speech on Tuesday night to an all white audience ? the first forum of its kind on the Island.

But after last night's hour-long lecture, he praised Bermudians of all colours for coming out in force to hear his message over the last few days.

Mr. Wise said about 130 people attended Tuesday's event at Cathedral Hall.

And with about 200 present on Court Street last night, he said the Island had a "good core" of people committed to help tackle racial divisions.

He added: "That's a huge statement about the ability of this community to move this forward and have a discussion with integrity."

He said that Bermuda needed to examine its political and economic institutions in a bid to stamp out racism, shatter stereotypes and create a level playing field after hundreds of years of inequality.

Earlier the 37-year-old raised concerns about the lack of national history being taught in Bermuda schools, which he said suggested something "problematic, particularly for young, black Bermudians".

"You have to understand your past to understand your present," he told the audience.

Mr. Wise, who jetted into Bermuda for the National Association for Reconciliation (NAR) lecture series, is due to meet school teachers today.

He said he would tell them positive re-enforcement worked in a world where minorities are undermined.

He also hailed the work of the NAR in keeping the race issue in the spotlight.

Members of the audience told the lecture series was important for the country.

Craig Morfitt, 45, from Southampton, said: "It has been very worthwhile.

"I have been to all of the talks and it's going to open up the dialogue that has not necessarily been existing within the white community and between the white community and people of colour."

Quinton Johnston, 68, from Warwick, said: "I don't know if this will solve anything but a little more information is important. It's food for thought and a first step.

"I think it's needed because a lot of people have a lot of misinformation about what's actually happening. You can't base your life on your own personal views ? you have to learn from other people."