Yahoo News Bristol Bus Boycott pioneers honoured with seat naming at Bristol Beacon
Twenty-eight Bristol Bus Boycott Pioneers have been honoured at a permanent seat naming event at the Bristol Beacon. Jonathan Dimbleby, the chair of Bristol Beacon, hosted the event last Thursday (June 20) acknowledging the Bristol Bus Boycott Pioneers' impact of anti-discrimination in Britain.
The named plaques will act as a permanent commemoration of the activists achievements in paving the way for the pivotal Race Relations Act of 1965, following the 60th anniversary of the Boycott in 2023. The event was held by Bristol Beacon and Bristol think tank CuriosityUnLtd.
The 'We Rise' anthem was played at the event. The track aims to inspire a future built on the principles championed by those being commended from the original Bristol Bus Boycott in 1963.
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The Bristol Bus Boycott took place following the refusal of the Bristol Omnibus Company to employ Black or Asian bus crews within Bristol. At the forefront of the movement were youth workers, Paul Stephenson and the West Indian Development Council, who called for a boycott of the company’s buses that lasted for four months.
The Boycott drew national attention to racial discrimination. It was considered to have been a major influence in passing the Race Relations Act 1965, which made racial discrimination unlawful in public places.
“The seat naming dedications at Bristol Beacon are a profound tribute to the 28 Bristol Bus Boycott Pioneers. This event not only highlights their courageous stand against racial discrimination but also ensures that their legacy continues to inspire future generations," said Jonathan Dimbleby.
Julz Davis, Disruptor-in-Chief at Curiosity UnLtd, said: “The Bristol Bus Boycott pioneers helped make a better society for all of us; their actions paved the way for a landmark piece of legislation in the form of the Race Relations Act. We’re spotlighting their contribution to the city and country through this naming dedication.
"I grew up with many of these pioneers, yet I did not know about their contributions. It means a great deal to me because today I live in a better city because of their actions - and I think we can build on this legacy to help Bristol truly unlock its super-power of diversity.”
