BRISTOL (Hornpost) — Bristol is preparing to honor Paul Stephenson, one of the leading figures in the fight against racial discrimination in Britain, ahead of his memorial service at Bristol Cathedral on Friday.
Former Bristol Mayor George Ferguson has paid tribute to Stephenson, describing him as a courageous campaigner whose work transformed the city and inspired generations.
In an opinion article, Ferguson reflected on his personal relationship with Stephenson and their work together during his time as Bristol’s first elected mayor.
The Bristol Bus Boycott and the Fight Against Racism
Stephenson played a central role in the historic Bristol Bus Boycott of 1963. He worked alongside fellow campaigners, including Guy Bailey and Roy Hackett, to challenge racial discrimination in the city’s public transport system.
At the time, several companies refused to employ Black people as bus workers because of their race.
The boycott brought together students, community activists and residents from different backgrounds. Their campaign demanded equal employment opportunities and an end to racial discrimination.
Ferguson described the protest as a courageous act of resistance during a period when racism remained widespread across British society.
Stephenson was also the first Black social worker employed by Bristol City Council.
A Campaign That Influenced British Legislation
The Bristol Bus Boycott became an important moment in Britain’s civil rights history.
Ferguson recalled that the campaign helped inspire the Race Relations Act of November 1965. However, the law did not make racial discrimination in employment illegal until 1968.
He said the boycott demonstrated how collective action could challenge injustice and influence national policy.
The campaign also drew inspiration from the American civil rights movement, particularly the activism of Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr.
George Ferguson’s Personal Connection to the Struggle
Ferguson arrived in Bristol in 1965 to study architecture. He said the city’s history and culture quickly attracted him.
However, he soon became aware of the racial inequalities affecting Black and ethnic minority communities.
He also recalled how the arrival of Ugandan Asians expelled by Idi Amin in 1972 helped deepen his understanding of racial injustice. Some of the families stayed with his family in Howells.
These experiences influenced his decision to enter local politics. He was elected to Bristol City Council in 1973 as a Liberal.
Preserving the Legacy for Future Generations
One of Ferguson’s most memorable experiences came on May 22, 2013, when Bristol marked the 50th anniversary of the Bus Boycott.
As mayor, he stood alongside Stephenson to launch the Bristol Bus Boycott Education Resources initiative.
The project aimed to introduce the history of the boycott into school education and help younger generations understand the struggle for racial equality.
Ferguson said he used his executive powers to secure funding for the initiative because he believed the campaign’s history deserved a permanent place in the education system.
He described the launch as more than a commemorative event. It was an opportunity to preserve the experiences of those who challenged racial discrimination.
A Legacy That Continues to Inspire
Ferguson also connected Bristol’s history of protest to the Black Lives Matter demonstrations in 2020, when protesters toppled the statue of slave trader Edward Colston.
He said these events reflected the city’s long tradition of challenging injustice.
However, Ferguson warned that racial intolerance and far-right movements remain concerns in Britain and other parts of the world.
He called on communities to continue promoting diversity, equality and respect for different backgrounds.
In his tribute, Ferguson urged people to follow Stephenson’s example and stand up for those facing discrimination and exclusion.
He concluded by saying that Stephenson’s contribution would remain part of Bristol’s history and that his fight for equality should continue.
“Rest in peace, Paul. Your fight for equality still resonates,” Ferguson wrote.
About the author: George Ferguson served as Bristol’s elected mayor from 2012 to 2016. This article is based on his personal tribute to Paul Stephenson ahead of the campaigner’s memorial service.
Hornpost Staff Reporter
