Who was Edgar Fitzgerald Gordon, and what were his primary roles in Bermuda?

Edgar Fitzgerald Gordon was a physician, parliamentarian, civil-rights activist, and labour leader born in Trinidad and Tobago. He is widely regarded as the 'father of trade unionism' in Bermuda, where he championed the cause of Bermudian workers and fought for equal rights for black Bermudians, thereby laying the groundwork for significant political and social change.

When and where was Edgar Fitzgerald Gordon born, and when did he pass away?

Edgar Fitzgerald Gordon was born on March 20, 1895, in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. He passed away on April 20, 1955, at the age of 60 in Paget Parish, Bermuda.

What significant leadership position did Edgar F. Gordon hold within the labour movement in Bermuda?

Edgar F. Gordon served as the president of the Bermuda Industrial Union (BIU) from 1945 to 1955. The BIU is a major trade union in Bermuda, advocating for workers' rights and social justice.

How has Edgar F. Gordon been characterized by historians and commentators regarding his influence in Bermuda?

Edgar F. Gordon has been described as 'perhaps the only black charismatic leader to have emerged in the island's modern political history' and as 'Bermuda's most dedicated Pan-Africanist.' These characterizations highlight his unique and powerful role in the island's social and political development.

Where did Edgar F. Gordon receive his early education, and what was his academic standing?

Edgar F. Gordon received his early education at Queen's Royal College (QRC) in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, where he graduated as one of the school's most brilliant scholars.

Where did Edgar F. Gordon pursue his medical studies, and what political activities did he engage in during that time?

In 1912, Edgar F. Gordon went to Scotland to study medicine at the University of Edinburgh. While there, he also became involved with the Afro-West Indian Society and pan-African politics, a movement advocating for the unity and solidarity of people of African descent worldwide.

Who was Clara Marguerite Christian, and what was her connection to Edgar F. Gordon?

Clara Marguerite Christian was a fellow medical student whom Edgar F. Gordon met and married at the University of Edinburgh. She had previously studied music in the U.S. at Hampton Institute in Hampton, Virginia, and Oberlin College in Ohio.

What decision did Clara Christian make regarding her medical studies, and how was it received by her father?

Clara Christian abandoned her medical studies to begin a family with Edgar F. Gordon, a decision that displeased her father, George James Christian, who was a Dominican barrister settled in the Gold Coast.

At what age did Edgar F. Gordon qualify as a doctor, and where did he first practice medicine?

Edgar F. Gordon qualified as a doctor at the age of 23 in 1918 and initially practiced medicine in the small Scottish town of Kingussie.

After returning to the Caribbean, where did Edgar F. Gordon work before moving to Bermuda?

After returning to the Caribbean with his family in 1921, Edgar F. Gordon briefly worked in Trinidad before going on to become the chief medical supervisor in Dominica.

What prompted Edgar F. Gordon's move to Bermuda in 1924, and what challenge did he face upon arrival?

Edgar F. Gordon moved to Bermuda in 1924, reportedly brought by Sandys businessman William Robinson to fill a medical void after the death of black Dr. Arnold Packwood. Upon his arrival, the all-white local medical board attempted to fail him with what he termed an 'impossible examination.'

How did Edgar F. Gordon address the issue of discrimination against black nurses in Bermuda?

Starting in 1929, Edgar F. Gordon began advocating for black nurses by writing a series of letters to the editor of The Royal Gazette, criticizing the Bermuda Welfare Society's refusal to hire Black individuals as district nurses. This was a direct challenge to the racial discrimination prevalent at the time.

When was the first black district nurse hired in Bermuda, and what role did Gordon's efforts play?

The first black district nurse, Leonie Harford, was hired in Bermuda in 1963, following decades of lobbying efforts led by Edgar F. Gordon. This hiring was a direct result of the persistent advocacy for equal employment opportunities.

When did Edgar F. Gordon first win a seat in the Bermuda Parliament?

After standing unsuccessfully for Parliament in 1933 and 1943, Edgar F. Gordon won a seat in St. George's in the Bermuda Parliament in 1946.

Why did Edgar F. Gordon change his name to Mazumbo in 1947?

On June 22, 1947, Edgar F. Gordon changed his name to Mazumbo in protest against his fellow parliamentarians' persistent refusal to address him by his correct title, and because a Bermuda newspaper, the Mid-Ocean News, prefixed 'Mr' to the names of white members but referred to him simply as 'Gordon.' This act was a powerful statement against racial disrespect.

What personal and racial motivations did Edgar F. Gordon provide for adopting the name Mazumbo?

Edgar F. Gordon explained that the name 'Gordon' painfully reminded him that a Scotsman in another age had compelled a grandmother of his to submit to his desires. He stated that in Bermuda, he was black and treated as black people were treated, and he desired a name that belonged to his race and required no prefix. He claimed to have taken his new name from a 'famous West African chieftain' and associated it with the Trinidadian lawyer Emmanuel Mzumbo Lazare, who identified with black people and defended their rights.

How did Edgar F. Gordon's personality manifest in his role as a Member of the Colonial Parliament?

As a Member of the Colonial Parliament (MCP), Edgar F. Gordon was known as a fiery and sometimes controversial orator. For example, after the death of Speaker Sir Reginald Conyers, who had willed money for a school specifically for 'white children,' Gordon publicly stated he attended Conyers' funeral to 'make sure he was put in the hole,' demonstrating his confrontational style against racial injustice.

According to historian Eva Hodgson, what was the impact of Gordon's dramatic personality on the black community?

Historian Eva Hodgson noted that Edgar F. Gordon's 'dramatic personality, his drive, and his unabashed theatricals' successfully alerted the Negro masses, giving voice to their unvoiced despair and anger, and often giving shape and form to emotions which they themselves could hardly define. He was effective in stimulating awareness and highlighting the injustices faced by the people.

What was the Bermuda Workers' Association (BWA), and what were its objectives under Gordon's leadership?

The Bermuda Workers' Association (BWA) was an organization that Edgar F. Gordon was asked to lead as president in 1944. It fought for trade union rights, the removal of segregation, and the adoption of universal adult suffrage, aiming for fundamental social and political reforms.

How did the BWA's membership change under Edgar F. Gordon's leadership?

Under Edgar F. Gordon's vigorous leadership, the membership of the Bermuda Workers' Association (BWA) significantly increased from 200 to 5,000 members in 1945. This growth demonstrated his ability to mobilize and inspire the working class.

What legislative action did the Bermuda Legislature take in 1946 in response to the BWA's activities?

In 1946, the Bermuda Legislature passed the first Trade Union and Disputes Act, which was designed to curb the fledgling BWA by making it illegal for a union to have a newspaper or operate a business. This act was an attempt to suppress the growing power of the labor movement.

What organization did Edgar F. Gordon subsequently establish in 1946, and what was the role of the BWA thereafter?

Following the restrictive legislation, Edgar F. Gordon took the lead in establishing the Bermuda Industrial Union (BIU) in 1946. For a time, the Bermuda Workers' Association (BWA) continued to function as the political arm of the BIU.

What were the key issues highlighted in the petition presented to the British Colonial Office regarding Bermuda's voting system?

The petition highlighted that only seven percent of Bermuda's population could vote, and property owners could cast votes in every parish where they owned land, giving 'the monied classes a distinct and definite control over the election results.' Gordon pointed out that Bermuda's voting system had remained unchanged since 1620, unlike the UK and its dependencies.

How did the British Parliament and Colonial Secretary respond to Gordon's petition?

The British Parliament debated the matter and condemned many of the discriminatory practices highlighted in the petition, but it refused Dr. Gordon's request for a Royal Commission to investigate social, political, and economic conditions on the island. The Colonial Secretary subsequently issued a document, Command Paper 7093, strongly recommending positive and progressive changes to Bermuda's discriminatory laws.

What was the outcome of the Joint Committee formed by the Bermuda Legislature to study the Colonial Secretary's recommendations?

A Joint Committee of the Bermuda Legislative Council and House of Assembly was formed to study the Colonial Secretary's recommendations. However, its report in April 1948 recommended against changing the colony's Jim Crow laws, holding that 'the early adoption of adult franchise would be prejudicial to the best interests of Bermuda.'

When did segregation eventually end in Bermuda, and what role did the BIU play?

Segregation in Bermuda did not end until 1959, with the Bermuda Industrial Union (BIU) playing a key role in the civil disobedience that brought about this change. This demonstrates the long struggle for civil rights on the island.

What caused Edgar F. Gordon to lose his House of Assembly seat in the 1948 election, and when was he re-elected?

Edgar F. Gordon lost his House of Assembly seat in the 1948 election, a setback attributed to his preoccupation with a dock workers' dispute that year, which limited the time he could devote to his Parliamentary duties. He was re-elected in 1953.

What event in November 1953 did Edgar F. Gordon use to draw international attention to Bermuda's racial inequality?

In November 1953, when the newly crowned Queen Elizabeth II made Bermuda the first stop in her tour of the Commonwealth, Edgar F. Gordon learned that only 60 of more than 1,000 guests invited to a Government House garden party were black, and not a single black Bermudian had been asked to attend the official state dinner. He used this information to expose Bermuda's racially stratified society to the British press.

How did the British press react to the news leaked by Edgar F. Gordon about racial discrimination during the Queen's visit?

Reuters reported angry protests from British newspapers like the Daily Mirror and the Daily Herald. The Herald's editorial stated that the 'colour bar should be utterly destroyed as speedily as possible,' emphasizing the British Commonwealth's moral pledge against racial discrimination.

What was the symbolic outcome of Gordon's actions during the Queen's visit?

On the day the story broke, Queen Elizabeth II was photographed meeting a 'broadly smiling, tail-coated Dr. Gordon' in St. George's. This image became a symbolic moment amidst the controversy he generated, highlighting the direct confrontation of racial issues.

What was Edgar F. Gordon's interest in cricket, and how did he believe Bermuda could benefit?

Edgar F. Gordon was keenly interested in cricket and believed that Bermuda would benefit from closer contact with the islands of the West Indies, which were then gaining ascendancy in Test cricket. He saw this as a way to elevate Bermudian sports and potentially foster broader connections.

What specific Bermudian cricketer did Gordon champion, and what was the outcome of his efforts?

Gordon championed Bermudian cricketer Alma Hunt, who went to Trinidad in 1933 to take part in trial games for the West Indies team for the Test series in England that summer. Although Hunt proved himself both on and off the field, he was not eventually given a place on the team.

What official cricket body did Edgar F. Gordon advocate for, and when was it formed?

Edgar F. Gordon argued that Alma Hunt's status would have been more assured had there been an official body to deal with finance and represent him. He advocated for a Bermuda Cricket Board of Control, which was eventually formed in 1938.

What significant cricket event did Gordon help bring about in 1939?

Gordon was instrumental in bringing about the first ever West Indian cricket tour to Bermuda in 1939, which was headed by Trinidadian Ben Sealey. This tour marked a significant step in Bermuda's cricketing history and its connection to the wider West Indies.

Who is a notable granddaughter of Edgar F. Gordon?

One of Edgar F. Gordon's notable grandchildren is the British broadcaster Moira Stuart. She is a well-known figure in British media.

Which of Edgar F. Gordon's children achieved significant political office in Bermuda?

His last child, Pamela F. Gordon, born six months after her father's death, became Bermuda's youngest and first female premier in March 1997. She led the United Bermuda Party until that party was defeated in a general election in November 1998.

Who is Patricia Gordon-Pamplin, and what is her relationship to Edgar F. Gordon?

Patricia Gordon-Pamplin is another daughter of Edgar F. Gordon. She served in various ministerial positions in the One Bermuda Alliance (OBA) Cabinet and was announced as the OBA interim leader after a change of government in July 2017.

Where and when did Edgar F. Gordon die, and what was the public reaction to his passing?

Edgar F. Gordon died in Bermuda, at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, following a heart attack at the age of 60, on April 20, 1955. Two days later, thousands of people turned out for his funeral service and burial, with many of Bermuda's black community weeping at his graveside, recognizing his tireless efforts for their future.

What political party was formed as a direct legacy of Edgar F. Gordon's labour movement?

The Progressive Labour Party (PLP) was formed in 1963 as the political arm of the labour movement that Edgar F. Gordon had originally organized and energized. Some of the party's founders even described themselves as 'Gordonites,' indicating his profound influence.

What commemorative items have been issued in Edgar F. Gordon's honor?

On May 1, 2000, a commemorative pack of postage stamps was issued honoring Edgar F. Gordon as one of three 'Pioneers of Progress' in Bermudian society, alongside Sir Henry James Tucker and women's suffragist Gladys Misick Morrell.

What facilities and public spaces in Bermuda are named after Dr. E. F. Gordon?

A ward at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital in Paget Parish was renamed the 'Dr. E. F. Gordon Ward' in 2000. Additionally, the Dr. E.F. Gordon Memorial Hall at the Bermuda Industrial Union building and Dr. E.F. Gordon Square on Dundonald Street are named after him, commemorating his contributions.

What annual event was initiated to honor Edgar F. Gordon's legacy?

An annual Dr. E. F. Gordon Memorial Lecture was initiated by educator and author Dale Butler to honor his legacy. These lectures serve to keep his memory and contributions alive for future generations.

How was Edgar F. Gordon recognized on Bermuda's National Heroes Day in June 2011?

On Bermuda's National Heroes Day in June 2011, Dr. Gordon was hailed as one of the architects of modern Bermuda, alongside Dr. Pauulu Kamarakafego (Dr. Roosevelt Browne) and Sir Henry 'Jack' Tucker. This recognition solidified his place in the island's history.

What comparison did a Royal Gazette columnist make regarding Edgar F. Gordon's leadership?

A columnist in Bermuda's Royal Gazette newspaper compared Edgar F. Gordon's leadership to that of prominent historical figures, stating, 'The United States had Franklin Roosevelt and Dr Martin Luther King. We had Dr EF Gordon.' This comparison highlights his perceived impact and importance to Bermuda.

What artistic tributes have been created in Edgar F. Gordon's memory?

A portrait of Gordon is one of 80 painted by Esther Dai for display at the Historic Museum in Bermuda. Additionally, on February 2, 2015, a mural featuring his portrait and the slogan 'United we stand, divided we fall' was installed at the Bermuda Industrial Union headquarters by The Chewstick Foundation, honoring him as an icon in the BIU's history and Bermuda's political and social growth.

What event was held on March 20, 2015, in Hamilton, Bermuda?

On March 20, 2015, a celebration of the 120th anniversary of Edgar F. Gordon's birth was held in front of City Hall in Hamilton. This event was hosted by Imagine Bermuda with the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs and the Chewstick Foundation, bringing together the community to remember his legacy.

What recognition did the Roman Catholic Church of Bermuda bestow upon Edgar F. Gordon in October 2016?

In October 2016, the Roman Catholic Church of Bermuda honored Edgar F. Gordon with the Peace & Social Justice Award 2016 for his 'sterling contributions as the father of trade unionism and for championing the rights of Bermudian workers and black Bermudians generally.' This award acknowledged his profound impact on social justice.

Edgar F. Gordon Wiki: Architect of Progress: The Enduring Legacy of Dr. Edgar F. Gordon

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Who Was Dr. Gordon?

A Multifaceted Leader

Edgar Fitzgerald Gordon (1895–1955), born in Trinidad and Tobago, was a distinguished physician, parliamentarian, civil-rights activist, and a pivotal labor leader in Bermuda. He is widely recognized as the "father of trade unionism" in the territory, having laid foundational groundwork for significant political and social transformations that unfolded after his passing.

Champion of the Oppressed

Gordon dedicated his life to advocating for Bermudian workers and tirelessly fought for equal rights for Black Bermudians. His charismatic leadership and unwavering commitment to Pan-Africanist ideals made him a unique and powerful figure in the island's modern political history.

National Recognition

His profound impact was posthumously recognized in 2011 when he was honored as a National Hero of Bermuda. Further accolades include the Peace & Social Justice Award in 2016 from the Catholic Church of Bermuda, acknowledging his sterling contributions to social justice.

Early Life & Education

Trinidadian Roots

Edgar Fitzgerald Gordon was born on March 20, 1895, in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, to Olympia Jardin and Frederick Charles Gordon. His early education took place at Queen's Royal College (QRC), where he distinguished himself as one of the institution's most brilliant scholars.

Edinburgh & Pan-Africanism

In 1912, Gordon journeyed to Scotland to pursue medical studies at the esteemed University of Edinburgh. During his time there, he became deeply involved with the Afro-West Indian Society and immersed himself in Pan-African political discourse, shaping his future commitment to civil rights.

Marriage & Family Beginnings

While at Edinburgh, he met and married Clara Christian, a fellow medical student who had previously studied music in the U.S. Clara, to her father's dismay, chose to abandon her medical studies to start a family with Gordon. Her father, George James Christian, was a Dominican barrister who had settled in the Gold Coast.

Medical Career

A Doctor's Journey

Gordon qualified as a doctor at the age of 23 in 1918. He initially practiced medicine in Kingussie, a small Scottish town. In 1921, he returned to the Caribbean with his wife Clara and their young family, briefly working in Trinidad before becoming the chief medical supervisor in Dominica.

Arrival in Bermuda

In 1924, Dr. Gordon relocated to Bermuda, establishing a thriving medical practice on Heathcote Hill in Somerset. His arrival was facilitated by Sandys businessman William Robinson, who sought to fill a void left by the death of another Black physician, Dr. Arnold Packwood.

Confronting Discrimination

Gordon faced immediate challenges, including an "impossible examination" from the all-white local medical board, which he believed was designed to fail him. Undeterred, he passed and soon began championing the cause of Black nurses who faced severe employment discrimination in Bermuda. His persistent letters to The Royal Gazette, starting in 1929, criticized the Bermuda Welfare Society's refusal to hire Black district nurses. Despite his decades of lobbying, the first Black district nurse, Leonie Harford, was not hired until 1963.

Political Life

Entry into Parliament

After two unsuccessful attempts in 1933 and 1943, Edgar F. Gordon secured a seat in Parliament for St. George's in 1946, marking a significant step in his political career and his fight for social change in Bermuda.

The Name Change: Mazumbo

On June 22, 1947, in a powerful act of protest against the persistent refusal of his fellow parliamentarians to address him by his proper title and a local newspaper's discriminatory naming conventions, Gordon announced he would henceforth be known by the African name Mazumbo, without any prefix.

His notice in The Royal Gazette read:

"I, Edgar Fitzgerald Gordon, Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery of Edinburgh University, President General of the Bermuda Industrial Union, President of the Progressive Bermuda League and Member of Parliament for St. George's, hereby declare that from henceforth I shall be known as Mazumbo."

He explained, "The name Gordon, which I inherited, reminds me very painfully that some Scotsman in some other age compelled a grandmother of mine to submit to his desires. In Bermuda I am black and treated as Bermuda treats the black people. So I want to be called by a name that belongs to my race and requires no prefix." He associated the name with Emmanuel Lazare, a Trinidadian lawyer known as Mazumbo Lazare, who was a defender of black people's rights and a moving spirit behind democratic political reforms.

A Fiery Orator

As a Member of the Colonial Parliament (MCP), Gordon was renowned for his fiery and often controversial oratory. His dramatic personality and unabashed theatricals were instrumental in galvanizing the Black masses, giving voice to their despair and anger, and articulating the injustices they faced daily.

Labor & Civil Rights Advocacy

Bermuda Workers' Association (BWA)

In 1944, Gordon was invited to become president of the Bermuda Workers' Association (BWA), an organization dedicated to fighting for trade union rights, ending segregation, and achieving universal adult suffrage. Under his dynamic leadership, the BWA's membership surged from 200 to 5,000 by 1945.

Founding the BIU

In response to the 1946 Trade Union and Disputes Act, which aimed to curb the BWA's influence by making it illegal for unions to operate newspapers or businesses, Gordon spearheaded the establishment of the Bermuda Industrial Union (BIU) that same year. The BWA continued to function as the BIU's political arm.

Petition to the Colonial Office

From December 1946 to March 1947, Gordon undertook an extended visit to England, where he presented a petition with over 5,000 signatures from the Bermuda Workers' Association to the British Colonial Secretary. This petition highlighted critical concerns, including the severely limited franchise, pervasive segregation, and restricted occupational opportunities for Black Bermudians.

Gordon emphasized that only seven percent of the population could vote, and property owners could cast multiple votes across different parishes, granting "the monied classes a distinct and definite control over the election results." He pointed out Bermuda's electoral system had remained unchanged since 1620, despite reforms in the UK and its dependencies.

The British Parliament debated the matter, condemning many discriminatory practices but refusing Gordon's request for a Royal Commission. However, the Colonial Secretary issued Command Paper 7093, strongly recommending progressive changes to Bermuda's discriminatory laws. A Joint Committee of the Bermuda Legislative Council and House of Assembly, formed to study the issue, ultimately recommended against changing the colony's Jim Crow laws in April 1948, stating that "the early adoption of adult franchise would be prejudicial to the best interests of Bermuda." Segregation in Bermuda would not officially end until 1959, with the BIU playing a crucial role in the civil disobedience that led to this change.

Royal Visit Controversy

Exclusion at Government House

In November 1953, during Queen Elizabeth II's first stop in Bermuda on her Commonwealth tour, Dr. Gordon discovered that out of over 1,000 guests invited to a Government House garden party, only 60 were Black. Furthermore, not a single Black Bermudian was invited to the official state dinner.

International Outcry

Determined to expose Bermuda's racially stratified society, Gordon leaked this information to the British press. Reuters reported the ensuing angry protests from prominent newspapers like the Daily Mirror and the Daily Herald. The Herald's editorial sharply criticized the "gross ill manners" and asserted that "the colour bar should be utterly destroyed as speedily as possible."

A Moment of Confrontation

The story broke on the very day the Queen arrived in Bermuda. In a notable moment, Queen Elizabeth II was photographed meeting a "broadly smiling, tail-coated Dr. Gordon" in St. George's, a powerful visual juxtaposition against the backdrop of the international controversy he had ignited.

Cricket Advocacy

Caribbean Connections

Dr. Gordon held a keen interest in cricket and firmly believed that Bermuda would benefit from closer ties with the West Indies, which were then rising in prominence in Test cricket. He saw sports as another avenue for connection and progress.

Championing Alma Hunt

He notably championed Bermudian cricketer Alma Hunt, who traveled to Trinidad in 1933 to participate in trial games for the West Indies team. Despite Hunt's impressive performance, he was not selected. Gordon argued that Hunt's status would have been more secure with an official body to manage finances and representation.

Founding the Cricket Board

Gordon's advocacy led to the eventual formation of the Bermuda Cricket Board of Control in 1938. He was also instrumental in orchestrating the first-ever West Indian cricket tour to Bermuda in 1939, which was led by Trinidadian Ben Sealey, further cementing sporting and cultural ties.

Family Life

A Growing Household

Edgar F. Gordon and his Dominica-born wife, Clara, had six children. Clara joined him in Bermuda after the birth of their fifth child (and first son), with their second son being born in Bermuda in 1927.

Notable Descendants

Gordon's grandchildren include the renowned British broadcaster Moira Stuart. His legacy also extends to his daughter, Pamela F. Gordon, who was born six months after his death and went on to become Bermuda's youngest and first female premier in March 1997. Another daughter, Patricia Gordon-Pamplin, has served in various ministerial positions within the One Bermuda Alliance cabinet and became its interim leader in July 2017.

Legacy & Honours

Enduring Influence

Dr. Edgar F. Gordon passed away in Bermuda on April 20, 1955, at the age of 60, following a heart attack. His funeral service at St. Theresa's Catholic Cathedral and subsequent burial at Calvary Cemetery drew thousands, a testament to the profound impact he had on Bermudian society. His tireless efforts over more than two decades were widely acknowledged as having paved the way for a better future for Bermuda's Black population.

Political & Social Foundations

The Progressive Labour Party, formed in 1963, emerged as the political arm of the labor movement that Gordon had originally organized and energized. Many of the party's founders proudly identified themselves as "Gordonites," underscoring his lasting ideological influence.

Posthumous Tributes

Gordon has received numerous posthumous honors:

2000: Honored on a commemorative pack of postage stamps as one of three "Pioneers of Progress."
2000: A ward at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital in Paget Parish was renamed the "Dr. E. F. Gordon Ward."
The Dr. E.F. Gordon Memorial Hall at the Bermuda Industrial Union building and Dr. E.F. Gordon Square on Dundonald Street are named in his honor.
An annual Dr. E. F. Gordon Memorial Lecture was initiated by educator and author Dale Butler.
2011: Hailed as a National Hero of Bermuda on National Heroes Day, recognized as one of the architects of modern Bermuda.
A plaque was placed at "Beulah," his former home, as part of the City of Hamilton Walkway of History.
A portrait of Gordon is among 80 painted by Esther Dai for display at the Historic Museum in Bermuda.
2015: A mural featuring his portrait and the slogan "United we stand, divided we fall" was installed at the Bermuda Industrial Union (BIU) headquarters by The Chewstick Foundation.
2015: The 120th anniversary of his birth was celebrated in front of City Hall in Hamilton.
2016: Awarded the Peace & Social Justice Award by the Roman Catholic Church of Bermuda for his contributions to trade unionism and the rights of Black Bermudians.
2018: Featured on posters by Bermuda's Department of Community & Cultural Affairs celebrating national heroes.

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References

Rosemary Jones, Bermuda: Five Centuries, Chapter 18: Growing Pains, Ministry of Education, Bermuda, 2011.

"Our history", website of Bermuda Public Services Union â BPSU.

Bermuda Industrial Union website.

Frances Henry (ed.), Ethnicity in the Americas, Walter de Gruyter, 1976, p. 67.

Ira Philip, "The unforgettable day I met the Queen", The Royal Gazette, 7 September 2015.

"Three heroes who âmade Bermuda a better place'", The Royal Gazette, 21 June 2011.

"Peace & Social Justice Award: Dr. E. F. Gordon", Bernews, 24 October 2016.

Tony Martin, The Progress of the African Race Since Emancipation and Prospects for the Future, The Majority Press, 1998, p. 8.

Ira Philip, "Remembering Mazumbo, a dynamic freedom fighter", The Royal Gazette, 21 March 2015.

"Dr EF Gordon â fought tirelessly for equal rights for black Bermudians", The Royal Gazette, 16 June 2011.

"George James Christian: Pioneer in Africa", TheDominican.net, Volume No. 1, Issue No. 32, 27 November 2002.

"Moira Stuart", Who Do You Think You Are? Magazine.

"Moira Stuart", Who Do You Think You Are?, BBC.

National Hero Profile: Dr. E. F. Gordon, Bernews, 29 April 2011.

Eva N. Hodgson, Second Class Citizens; First Class Men, 2nd edition, Bermuda: The Writers Machine, 1988, p. 67.

Carl Murphy, "Beautiful Bermuda | Call Him Mister", Richmond Afro American, 6 December 1947.

"BERMUDA: Grandpa Was a Scotsman", 21 July 1947; cited in Time, 21 December 2011 (subscription required).

Maureen Warner-Lewis, Central Africa in the Caribbean: Transcending time, Transforming Cultures. Kingston, Jamaica: University of the West Indies Press, 2003; p. 80.

W. S. Zuill, The Story of Bermuda and Her People (1973), Macmillan Caribbean, 2nd revised edition 1983, p. 200.

"When the times they were a-changinâ", The Royal Gazette, 9 September 2015.

Keith Archibald Forbes, "Bermuda's History from 1952 to 1999", Bermuda Online.

Ira Philip, in Freedom Fighters (1987), pp. 152â58, quotes a letter dated 20 October 1953 from Gordon to the Mid-Ocean News, detailing Gordon's role in the sequence of events.

Ira Philip, Hakim: Son of Mazumbo: The Extraordinary Life of Hakim Gordon, The Writers' Machine, 1995, 24 pp.

"Moira Stuart, Past Stories â Who Do You Think You Are?, BBC One.

"Dr E.F. Gordonâs Son Ken Gordon Dies At 86", Bernews, 7 November 2013.

Owain Johnston-Barnes, "Musician son of national hero Dr EF Gordon dies at 86", The Royal Gazette, 7 November 2013.

"Gordon, Pamela 1955â" at Encyclopedia.com.

Pamela Gordon biography, Bernews.

Rosemary Jones (2011), Chapter 20: Into the Future, Bermuda: Five Centuries.

Ira Philip, "A fitting climax to a busy weekend", The Royal Gazette, 26 June 2011.

"Dame Pamela Gordon-Banks", Influential Caribbean Women â Part 9, 11 March 2013.

"OBA Interim Leader: Patricia Gordon-Pamplin", Bernews, 21 July 2017.

Jonathan Bell, "Gordon-Pamplin now interim leader of OBA", Royal Gazette, 22 July 2017.

Ira Philip, "'Our Lady of Labour' laid to rest today", The Royal Gazette.

"Bermuda â Pioneers of progress", Stamp World.

"Ward named for Dr. Gordon", The Royal Gazette, 8 September 2000.

"Three New National Heroes To Be Honoured", Bernews, 28 April 2011.

Walton Brown, "The traits of good leadership", The Royal Gazette Online, 29 March 2012.

Ira Philip, "Personal memories of Dick Richards", The Royal Gazette, 29 September 2012.

"Hamilton launches Walkway of History", Bermuda Biographies.

"Chewstick Installs Dr. E.F. Gordon Mural At BIU", Bernews, 3 February 2015.

"Chewstick Community Art Program Creates Bermuda Flag Mural", Chewstick Foundation, 16 December 2015.

"Imagine Bermuda To Celebrate Dr E.F. Gordon", Bernews, 18 March 2015.

"Dr Gordonâs 120th birthday to be celebrated", The Royal Gazette, 18 March 2015.

"Photos & Video: Dr. E.F. Gordon Remembered", Bernews, 21 March 2015.

Ira Philip, "Championing the rights of black Bermudians", The Royal Gazette, 5 November 2016.

"Celebrating Bermudaâs National Heroes", Bernews, 18 June 2018.

A full list of references for this article are available at the Edgar F. Gordon Wikipedia page

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Who Was Dr. Gordon? ℹ️

👨‍⚖️ A Multifaceted Leader

✊ Champion of the Oppressed

🏆 National Recognition

Early Life & Education 🎓

🇹🇹 Trinidadian Roots

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Edinburgh & Pan-Africanism

❤️ Marriage & Family Beginnings

Medical Career 🩺

🌍 A Doctor's Journey

🇧🇲 Arrival in Bermuda

⚖️ Confronting Discrimination

Political Life 🏛️

🗳️ Entry into Parliament

🗣️ The Name Change: Mazumbo

🔥 A Fiery Orator

Labor & Civil Rights Advocacy ✊

📈 Bermuda Workers' Association (BWA)

🏭 Founding the BIU

📜 Petition to the Colonial Office

Royal Visit Controversy 👑

🚫 Exclusion at Government House

📰 International Outcry

🤝 A Moment of Confrontation

Cricket Advocacy 🏏

🌴 Caribbean Connections

🌟 Championing Alma Hunt

🤝 Founding the Cricket Board

Family Life 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

🏡 A Growing Household

📺 Notable Descendants

Legacy & Honours 🌟

🌱 Enduring Influence

🏛️ Political & Social Foundations

🏅 Posthumous Tributes

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Who Was Dr. Gordon?

A Multifaceted Leader

Champion of the Oppressed

National Recognition

Early Life & Education

Trinidadian Roots

Edinburgh & Pan-Africanism

Marriage & Family Beginnings

Medical Career

A Doctor's Journey

Arrival in Bermuda

Confronting Discrimination

Political Life

Entry into Parliament

The Name Change: Mazumbo

A Fiery Orator

Labor & Civil Rights Advocacy

Bermuda Workers' Association (BWA)

Founding the BIU

Petition to the Colonial Office

Royal Visit Controversy

Exclusion at Government House

International Outcry

A Moment of Confrontation

Cricket Advocacy

Caribbean Connections

Championing Alma Hunt

Founding the Cricket Board

Family Life

A Growing Household

Notable Descendants

Legacy & Honours

Enduring Influence

Political & Social Foundations

Posthumous Tributes

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice