Feature Photos Courtesy of TNN

The next stop for Black Lives Matter Bermuda includes plans to “disrupt the status quo” with events that include an interactive community forum on social media to discuss the problems faced on this island by black Bermudians.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the group said, based on comments posted on social media, that the general sentiment was that “no matter how hard we work, how educated we are, or what school we attend, attaining a prosperous life seems out of reach for most”.

The high cost of living in Bermuda, the high cost of food and economic disparity were listed as leading factors driving many Bermudians to leave to pursue greener pastures overseas.

The group also stated that the high cost of fresh produce made it a “luxury” for black Bermudians.

Organisers of the protest march on Sunday also thanked the thousands of supporters who participated in the event sparked by the death of George Floyd at the hands of a white police officer in Minnesota on May 25.

The hashtag #BeingBlackInBermuda trended ahead of the march, with people sharing the impact racism in Bermuda had on their lives and cited the top areas targeted to deal with racism in Bermuda.

That list includes:

• The impact of the cost of living on quality of life

• The quality and competitiveness of public education

• The effect of immigration on job opportunities

• Local banking and the housing market;

• Access to start-up capital for black businesses

• Community organisations and criminal justice

Residents were urged to take part in the upcoming forum when the date has been set.

Moving forward, the group said: “We will build on what begun this weekend, and mobilise to create the Bermuda that our parents, grandparents, and ancestors fought so hard for.

“Bermuda, THANK YOU!

“On Sunday we came together as a community and marched in solidarity. Not only for George Floyd, but for each and every black person who has lost their lives at the hands of the police in the United States. Many of us have lived away, have family abroad, or have vacationed in the US.

“Therefore, we are keenly aware of the racial discrimination that continues to rock that country.

“While our ancestors built a foundation upon which we can live a life free of racial violence, locally we face a different, but equally significant threat – systemic racism.
“This has led to many black Bermudians living as second class citizens in the only home they know.
“What is abundantly clear is that the time for change is now.”
In closing, the group said: “We will build on what begun this weekend, and mobilize to create the Bermuda that our parents, grandparents, and ancestors fought so hard for.
“Please follow us on our Social Media profiles to stay up to date.”
#BLMBermuda