AM I NOT A MAN————AM I NOT A WOMAN” How many times would that question have been asked over the years by many an enslaved person. Here in Bermuda we don’t speak much about slavery just about the unworthy deeds of one and the heroism of others. There were many slave owners here in Bermuda and most slaves Masters like those world wide did not treat them very well. How can one go through life not carrying a first or last name. I’m not oblivious to the woes of slavery but I do feel if we are going to do anything to remember our enslaved ancestor we should not hide it under a bushel.

Since the year 1834 Bermudian slaves were declared free and we now as a people celebrate Emancipation Day. The story behind this day leaves a lot to be desired, slaves in this Island were emancipated with no means of financial support, many had to revert back to working for the very Masters that had given them freedom and the slave (black man & women) has been struggling ever since. Many believed that after integration that they had arrived, they had good jobs and was able to join the most prestige’s clubs and soon overlooked their membership at the black clubs and organizations.

The true damages of slavery here in this Island should never be put on the back burner our past generations know the truth and our future generations need to be told the truth.

On Sunday July 30th 2023 I was privileged to be asked to lay a wreath for the first time in the 400plus years of this Islands history at the grave site of the slaves interred in St. Peter’s Church yard in St. George’s the first Anglican Church to be established in what was the main town and governing body of the Island of Bermuda many already know the history of the town.

In memory of all who was interred here during slavery

No slave was allowed to be buried in the same yard as their white counter parts, the slave grave yard for many years was in dis-repair until the Friends of St. Peter’s under the guidance of Rev. Erskine Simmons and his team fixed it up and continue to keep it looking worthy of note. The Emancipation service was a combination of the Anglican Churches in the East end. The service opened with the hymn “I will enter his gates ” In charge of the days service was Ms. Grace Rawlins. She gave a preached word that was eye opening and very inspiring. Several notable persons were in attendance. After words of welcome an excerpt from “Slavery Abolition Act 1833 was read by Allen Richardson, Worthy Master of the Freemasons Lodge St, Georges’ several of his brothers were also in attendance in full regalia. A reading in Amos was done by Lisa -Dawn Johnston of St. Mark’s Church. Then an Anthem “Deep River” was sung by “the Ensembled Singers” and it was very well received. The psalm 138 was led by Sharman Marcus of Holy Trinity Church, then another Anthem “Wade In The Water” beautifully done. Another reading by the Wor. Quinell Francis Mayor of St. George’s. The Holy Gospel was read by Rev’d Gavin Type. The Homily by Ms. Grace Rawlins. Diocesan Lay-Reader. After the sermon and the giving and receiving of Communion the service ended with the singing of the Negro Spiritual ‘Lift every voice and sing” as the congregation processed out of the church to the grave site for the laying of the wreath for the very first time in the history of the Island in memory of the Slaves by Joy Wilson-Tucker founding member of the Bermudian Heritage Association and Museum and Past Provincial Grand Master and Lecture Master of the Loyal Mayflower Lodge # 9387. An event as notable as this in my opinion was very low key and although it was reported in the R. G. news paper in the Religious pages the most important aspect the actual photo of the laying of the wreath ceremony which would have highlighted the significance of the Emancipation service was not visible in the R.G. paper. It had been mentioned that it is hoped it would be an annual event. As always a missed opportunity but then why the concern it’s just about the “SLAVES” and those who endured the abuse of slavery in Bermuda.

Submitted By Joy Wilson-Tucker