A present Day Photo of the Tuckers Town sign. The name 'Tuckers Town' remained despite its original inhabitants of the land being removed from the area.

RIP:REST IN PEACE

2024 BERMUDA BIENNIAL


In March of 2020 thanks to my good friend Aquilah Flemming, an avid historian and talented writer and storyteller, I had the honour and pleasure of being in conversation with the late broadcaster and historian Oda 'Blondell' Mallory in her home. Surrounded by museum worthy Bermudian artefacts and literature, we sat for hours having a good girlfriend giggle over white wine, while Mrs. Mallory shared stories and played us old radio recordings of her show between puffs of her cigarette. Her weekly radio show 'Living Memories' broadcasted on local airways during the 80's and 90's. Elderly Bermudians of that time would call into her show sharing their own experiences growing up in Bermuda. Because of this Living Memories revealed a wealth of cultural knowledge that was unknown to most at that time. 'Rest In Peace' focuses on two of those cultural and integral revelations, the acknowledgement of slave graves that were buried across from St. Mary's Church in Warwick (Rubber Tree) resulting in the erection of a monument, and the existence of a graveyard in Tucker's Town from the occupants of that land prior to when they were removed in 1920 to make way for the present day Tuckers Town. 'RIP' highlights the importance of learning and preserving our history so we don't repeat the same historical atrocities, as well as respecting our elders, our ancestors and the storytellers who came before us. 


This photo of the Memorial at the 'Tuckers Town' gravesite was taken in November 2023.

Oda 'Blondell' Mallory

August 3rd 1937 - August 28th 2020


Oda Mallory was a mother of three, two sons and one daughter, and grandmother and great grandmother to 6. In addition to running her radio show 'Living Memories', Mrs. Mallory was an entrepreneur who owned and operated 'The city Coin and Stamp Store' from 1973 - 1984. She ALSO sold life insurance as a means to provide for herself and her family. Our beloved Blondell was awarded a Queens certificate and badge of honour in 1985 for her services in the community.

Mrs. Mallory, Thank you for being a trailblazer in multiple fields and inspiring generations of ambitious Bermudians. May your soul rest in perfect peace, Queen, you are a true gem. It was a pleasure to meet you in this life and I hope we cross paths again in the next one.