During the beginning of Black History Month in the UK, a nationally recognised commemoration of the history, achievements and contributions of Black people around the world, with the month-long celebration being the perfect opportunity for all to reflect on where things stood in the past and where things stand today.
Widley known as a city rich in Black culture and heritage, in Bristol, with its historic stance on social activism, the city remains at the forefront of justice and acknowledgement of Black achievement and presence in today’s Great Britain. For one example, last year alone, the city honoured the Bristol Bus Boycott pioneers , a movement which sparked a series of equalities acts in the UK in the 1960s and 70s.
One of those pioneers, Dr Paul Stevenson OBE (pic) was commemorated to mark Pride of Britain’s 25 year anniversary, with the civil rights campaigner, also remembered for his sit-in at the Bay Horse Pub in the annual lecture series, named after him that took place in Bristol earlier this year.
While the achievements of past and present Black communities in Bristol are quite rightly celebrated, the riots over the summer showed that there is still work to be done to achieve racial equality. The Black community in the city joined crowds of all backgrounds in a huge demonstration in defence of an immigration law firm in Old Market and Stapleton Road, with many saying that it gave them a restored sense of hope.
For Black History Month 2024, the theme ‘Reclaiming Narratives’ aims to invite people from the Black community to tell the story of their history from their own perspective. Two events, set to fulfil the theme are the ‘Windrush Front room,’ with this Saturday seeing the first in a series of weekly Black history events taking place at the Kuumba centre throughout October.
Throughout October there will be special events, interviews with inspiring Black Bristolians, nostalgia pieces on some of the less well-known stories that form part of Bristol’s history alongside the celebration of some of Bristol’s best Black-owned businesses.
