Page 57 - BLACK HISTORY IN BERMUDA red

Partner Skit: Meet Dr. E. F. Gordon

Gordon: Hello, I’m Dr. E. F. Gordon, have you heard about me?

Student: Yes I have! I know you were a doctor but you were also involved in politics.

Gordon: I was, but I got involved in politics because I felt blacks were treated unfairly.

Student: What did you do?

Gordon: I was trying to make Bermuda fairer for all people and to end segregation. I did
this by becoming involved in campaigns. How is that wrong?

Student: I guess it wasn’t…so what else did you do?

Gordon: I was a doctor at first, but in my campaigns I became the first president of the
trade union the Bermuda Worker’s Association. I was also elected to the House
of Assembly which created a petition for investigation of poor conditions for
black and working class Bermudians. It resulted in free primary school education.

Student: It sounds like you were pretty great. Thanks to your efforts and despite accusations,
you had a permanent impact on Bermuda’s political and working life.

Assessment Indicator: Write two short paragraphs about Dr. E. F. Gordon, one about why he
was good, and another about why he was controversial.

Partner Skit: Meet Dame Lois Browne-Evans

Evans Hello, I’m Dame Lois Browne-Evans, have you heard about me?

Student: Yes I have! You were the first female lawyer, and the first black female MP.

Evans Correct! Do you have anything you want to ask me?

Student: What was your most famous case as a lawyer?

Evans I defended Larry Tacklyn, who was accused of the murder of the Governor. I led
a campaign in 1977 to spare him and another man from the gallows.

Student: What else did you do?

Evans After I retired as Leader of the PLP I remained an MP and a member of the
Shadow Cabinet. I also became the first black female Attorney General in 1999
and in 2003 I became a Dame of the Order of the British Empire.

Student: Wow. You were a role model and pioneer for many Bermudians and women.
Your role in human and worker’s rights, an end to the death penalty and against
discrimination of any kind made you a national hero.

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