Hundreds gather to honor the life and legacy of Paul Stephenson, a key figure in the UK's civil rights movement known for his activism in the Bristol Bus Boycott and his courageous stand against racial discrimination.
Hundreds gathered at Bristol Cathedral to remember Paul Stephenson , a prominent figure in the UK's civil rights movement who passed away at 87. The memorial service, attended by approximately 400 people, honored his significant contributions to racial equality. Stephenson's activism, which included leading the Bristol Bus Boycott in 1963 and a one-man sit-in at a racially discriminatory pub, played a pivotal role in paving the way for the first Race Relations Act in 1965.
Actor David Harewood, a guest at the service, spoke about the profound impact of Stephenson's actions, stating, 'It feels like it's my duty to come down and pay respect to someone who was probably one of the first people to stand up with such incredible consequences.'Paul Boateng, a member of the House of Lords, described Stephenson as a 'mighty tree that has fallen,' emphasizing the profound loss to the community. Lord Simon Woolley highlighted Stephenson's importance, stating, 'We know about Rosa Parks, we need to know about Paul Stephenson,' and acknowledging that the election of Marvin Rees as Bristol's first black mayor was directly influenced by Stephenson's work. Sir Trevor Phillips, a writer and former politician, also delivered a tribute at the memorial. The service featured musical performances by The Berkeley Singers, directed by Marie Lee, who opened the event with O Radiant Dawn.Earlier this week, Radio Bristol spoke with individuals who knew Stephenson personally at The Bay Horse pub, the site of his famous sit-in protest. Lilleith Morrison, who co-wrote Stephenson's autobiography, 'Memoirs of a Black Englishman,' referred to him as 'our Martin Luther King,' emphasizing his unwavering commitment to equality. She noted that the pub, now marked with a plaque commemorating his actions, serves as a reminder of his legacy and the progress achieved in the fight against racial discrimination.Stephenson's activism extended beyond the Bristol Bus Boycott and his pub sit-in, including his return to Bristol in 1992 where he helped establish the Bristol Black Archives Partnership, dedicated to preserving and promoting the history of African-Caribbean people in the city. His dedication to social justice was recognized with an OBE in 2009 for his services to equal opportunities and community relations. Filmmaker Rob Mitchell described the award as 'no doubt one of the proudest moments of his life,' signifying the national acceptance and recognition Paul Stephenson received for his tireless efforts
PAUL STEPHENSON CIVIL RIGHTS BRISTOL BUS BOYCOTT RACIAL EQUALITY MEMORIALS
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