well-known civil rights and labour leaders, the late Dr. Edgar Fitzgerald Gordon.

And activities to commemorate Dr. Gordon's and "numerous'' other local activists' accomplishments will begin on March 18, two days before what would have been Dr. Gordon's 100th birthday.

The committee -- made up of representatives from the Bermuda Industrial Union, Solid Rock Foundation, The Writers' Machine, and the community at large -- announced their plans on Thursday.

"In pausing to reflect on the life of Dr. Gordon, we also pause to remember the numerous men and women who helped fight for free education, human rights, improved housing and the numerous other recommendations outlined in the Bermuda Workers Association's famous Command Paper,'' committee spokesman Mr.

Dale Butler said.

Trinidadian-born Dr. Gordon came to Bermuda in 1924.

And although efforts by the Friendly Societies, churches, and by men like Dr.

Eustace Cann, the Rev. Richard Tobbitt, and the Rev. E.B. Grant had produced gains for blacks in Bermuda after emancipation in 1834, the committee said it was Dr. Gordon who accepted the challenging role of leader of the BWA and "electrified'' Bermuda with his oratory and organisational skills.

"It is fitting to note that the BWA, with men like Leonard Bascome, Gerald Brangman, Wycliffe Stovell, and William A. Davis, came to prominence with the building of the US bases here,'' Mr. Butler said.

"This year, the US will be handing the bases over to Bermuda. Bermudians should not only be aware of the significant part played by the Americans here, but the fact that our military and labour history is so closely intertwined since 1946.'' Noting that Mazumbo was the name Dr. Gordon took when "certain members of the House of Assembly refused to use his title when referring to him'', the committee said: "Over the years various groups have attempted to highlight the contribution of labour to this country.

"We have also been blessed to have a number of significant books written about Dr. Gordon's life. We therefore have a great deal to be thankful for.

"In an effort to further educate Bermudians about their history we have planned a week of activity starting March 18 through to March 25.'' The activities planned include: The reading of a proclamation at noon at the BIU announcing the week and entertainment on March 18. An awards dinner will also be held at the BIU in the evening; A "traditional'' worship service on March 19 at the BIU at 3 p.m. The Rev.

Trevor Woolridge MP will be the guest speaker; A historical forum will be held at the BIU at 7.30 p.m. on March 20. The forum will highlight events in Dr. Gordon's life, the 1965 Bermuda Electric Light Company strike, the Black Beret Cadre and the 1959 Theatre Boycott. There will also be a cake cutting in celebration of Dr. Gordon's birthday; A forum by the committee and 100 Black Men will be held at St. Paul's AME Centennial Hall on March 21. At this event, Bermuda's "first 20 heros and heroines'' will be named; A forum entitled "Developing a 10 Point Economic Plan'' will be held at 7.30 p.m. at the BIU on March 22. and On March 24 and 25, a play by local playwright Mrs. Shangri-la Durham Thompson will be held at St. Paul's AME Centennial Hall.

The events will be held under the patronage of one of Dr. Gordon's daughters, Mrs. Marjorie Davis.

HONOURING DR. GORDON -- Mazumbo Commemoration Committee member Mr. Dale Butler outlines activities that will take place next month to honour the late labour leader Dr. E.F. Gordon and other civil rights activists.