News / Race relations
Bristol bids to become UK’s ‘capital of civil rights’
Bristol has the opportunity “to co-author a bold new chapter in racial equity” according to the organiser of a new landmark civic event taking place in November.
The Talks4Change summit will act as the launch of a campaign to make Bristol the UK’s first ‘capital of civil rights’ on the 60th anniversary of the Race Relations Act.
The Bristol Bus Boycott of 1963 was a huge impetus for the passing of the act.
is needed now More than ever
Hundreds of corporate, civic and community leaders are expected to take part in an evening of “protest, progress and purpose” at the Wills Memorial Building on November 11.
Lord Paul Boateng, a University of Bristol graduate who became the UK’s first Black cabinet minister, will be in conversation at the event with former Bristol mayor Marvin Rees, now baron Rees of Easton, the first directly elected mayor of African-Caribbean descent in a major European city.
The event will also have panels featuring pioneers of the Bristol Bus Boycott and others including Mervyn Weir, author of I Can’t Breathe; Darren Miller, founder of Black Business Initiative; Sado Jirde, CEO of Black South West Network; Marie-Annick Gournet, a pro vice-chancellor at the University of Bristol; and Mya-Rose Craig, the founder of Black2Nature.
Talks4Change summit organiser Julz Davis of Curiosity UnLtd said: “This moment calls for leadership with legacy in mind – collaboration that outlives campaigns and creates measurable, lasting change.
“We’re inviting the UK’s most visionary organisations to join us in shaping the next 100 years of civil rights – starting now.”
For more information and to book your ticket to attend the Talks4Change summit, visit www.eventbrite.com/e/talks4change-pioneers-of-progress-tickets-1770878678799
Main photo: Martin Booth
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