News / Judah Adunbi
Tributes paid to ‘a pillar of Bristol’s conscience’
Tributes have been paid to veteran race equality campaigner Judah Adunbi, known across the city as Ras Judah, who died at the age of 70 following a short illness.
For decades, Adunbi was a prominent voice in Bristol, championing race relations and community development.
He was a founding member of an independent group bringing together police and members of the city’s Afro-Caribbean community, and founded the St Pauls Sports Academy, mentoring generations of young people.
Adunbi was a familiar face in both St Paul’s and his home community in Easton.
Bristol Black History Month described him as “more than a campaigner or community elder. He was a pillar of Bristol’s conscience,” adding that he carried both the “pain and pride of the city with dignity and stood firm so others could stand taller”.
Grant “Daddy G” Marshall of Massive Attack paid tribute to Adunbi, recalling the kindness he showed to his family, especially his father.
Marshall wrote on social media: “RIP Ras Judah a Bristol legend. I’ll never forget the help you gave our family bringing the police to justice over their discriminative acts towards my father. Bristol will never forget you.”
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Roni Size also paid tribute to him on the same thread and called Adunbi “a staple in the story of what made Bristol great”.
The Mercury Prize-winning DJ said: “I had the pleasure of knowing this man for many years and you will always be a staple in the story of what made Bristol great and what it means to have a cultural impact on so many levels”
Adunbi made national headlines in 2017 when he was tasered by an Avon and Somerset Police officer outside his Easton home after being mistaken for a suspect. The officer involved was later cleared of misconduct. Adunbi went on to explore the incident and wider issues of race and policing in a documentary.
Filmmaker Bashart Malik, alongside poet and activist Lawrence Hoo and producer Zaheer Mamon, launched a crowdfunded community film project to tell his story.
Speaking to Bristol24/7 in 2018, Adunbi said: “We are not living in the time of physical forced slavery, we are living in modern times and if we are not subjected to slavery, then we should be treated equally with everyone else” – photo: Ellie Pipe
The resulting documentary, I Am Judah (2022), premiered at Encounters Film Festival at Watershed, explored both the incident and Adunbi’s wider life, identity and decades of community work, prompting debate about accountability and institutional bias.
Lawrence Hoo paid tribute to Adunbi and said: “Ras Judah was a true pillar of our community who never lay down in the face of a fight; he would always stand tall for what was right. The ancestors are lucky to have you. Rest easy now my Lion.”
In 2009, Adunbi had also won compensation in a separate wrongful arrest case against the force.
A father, grandfather and an avid cricket fan, he is fondly remembered at Rose Green & Bristol West Indian Phoenix Cricket Club, which said: “Bristol has lost a respected community elder today.
“Rest in power, Ras Judah Adunbi — a true Bristol elder and lifelong fighter for race equality and justice. Your courage and voice helped challenge injustice and inspire change.”
Poet and activist Lawrence Hoo paid tribute to Adunbi and called him “my Lion” – photo: I Am Judah
He was instrumental in setting up an advisory group in the 1990s to help train and educate officers and improve relations between the police and Bristol’s Black community.
Speaking to Bristol24/7 in 2018, Adunbi said: “We are not living in the time of physical forced slavery, we are living in modern times and if we are not subjected to slavery, then we should be treated equally with everyone else.
“If you are going to treat us like a common criminal, we are going to use strong language. Treat us with respect and we will show it back.”
I Am Judah (2022) explored both the police incident and Adunbi’s contributions in community engagement – photo: I Am Judah
Main photo: Ellie Pipe
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