Last Thursday (July 23), the Department of Culture hosted its latest edition of the Bermudian Heartbeats Lecture Series, featuring internationally acclaimed Bermudian scholar Dr. Quito J. Swan.
The event took place at the Leopard's Club, and the discussion explored Dr. Swan's latest book, Born a Sufferah: Dancehall Music's Insurgent Soundscapes, which examines dancehall music as a powerful expression of culture, resistance, identity, and global Black consciousness.
Dr. Swan is Professor of Africana Studies and History at George Washington University and an award-winning scholar of the African Diaspora.
His latest publication builds upon a distinguished body of work examining Black internationalism, decolonization, environmental justice, and global movements for racial equity. He also served as an expert witness to the Bermuda Government's 2020 Commission of Inquiry into Historic Land Losses and currently serves on the Executive Board of the Association for the Study of the Worldwide African Diaspora.
Through an engaging conversation, Dr. Swan highlighted how reggae and dancehall evolved beyond entertainment to become influential platforms for political expression, community building, and social change throughout the Caribbean and across the African Diaspora. And he discussed parrallels to how Bermudian reggae artists and groups sought to use the musical genre to address the issues and challenges of the time.
Also in attendance at last Thursday's lecture was the Minister of Home Affairs, the Hon. Alexa Lightbourne, JP, MP, the Minister of Public Works and Environment, the Hon. Jache Adams, JP, MP and other community and government representatives.
The evening also featured a musical performance by Arijahknow Live Wires.
The Bermudian Heartbeats Lecture Series continues to celebrate Bermudian achievement while creating opportunities for meaningful dialogue on culture, history, and identity. Through conversations like these, the Department of Culture remains committed to showcasing Bermudian voices and scholarship that connect the island's rich heritage to global audiences.
