In observance of the Anniversary of the two weeks of the Theatre Boycott, which began on June 15, 1959, those referenced below, join in urging the Corporation of Hamilton to name the entire campus of City Hall; ‘Freedom Square’.

The Boycott, initiated by the secret Progressive Group – was a watershed challenge to segregation in Bermuda-honouring centuries of resistance to institutionalized racism.   

The area of the current Car Park -in 1959 - was an empty-lot, adjacent the building-site of City Hall. It was a ‘hub’ for 3 surrounding movie theatres.  Consequently, as the Boycott took root, growing crowds of supporters spontaneously assembled on that sacred ground.  Those ‘ordinary people’ engaged in an extraordinary mission; reinforcing the notion that “Black Lives Matter”.

On that ground, volunteer champions creatively facilitated ‘pop-up’ rallies with speakers; including Comrade Richard Lynch, Kingsley Tweede and others. The positive energy of those gatherings, fostered that transformational movement’s success. 

On July 2, 1959, Bermuda ‘opened-up’ with major racial barriers removed. The Boycott’s momentum cleared other ‘dominoes’ of segregation in subsequent years. The Boycott also leveraged the Voting Rights Campaign’s success in 1960. 

Since opening, City Hall has become a venue for historic events: including the 1969 Black Power Conference, coordinated by voting rights campaigner, Roosevelt (Pauulu Kamarakafego) Brown. As a cultural centre, City Hall’s location has made it a pivotal platform for promoting social justice and community-building.

One impact of institutionalized racism is the marginalization of the people and culture subjected to same. Our Island’s transformational journey to promote a just and free society, requires opening access to all – beyond the ‘margins’.

During this ‘Global Moment’, we are reminded that ‘we ALL stand on the shoulders of giants’. In this regard – especially for up-coming generations – again, we deeply urge the Corporation of Hamilton to name this iconic area, ‘Freedom Square’. 

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