Plaque unveiled to mark Bristol Bus Boycott anniversary
The boycott began back in 1963 - when a group of people took action against the Bristol Omnibus Company
Today, people are coming together in Bristol - to mark the 61st anniversary of the Bristol Bus Boycott.
The Boycott started back in 1963 - that's when a group of young West Indians took action against the Bristol Omnibus Company - which was refusing to recruit black and Asian workers.
The Boycott is said to have paved the way to major change, not just in Bristol, but across the country - later leading to the passing of the Race Relations Act in 1965 and 1968.
The Act outlawed racial discrimination in public places, employment and housing.
On top of this, and following a huge amount of publicity, the racist policy was removed and black and Asian workers began to be recruited.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham is at the event alongside the surviving members of the bus boycott, MPs and regional and national BAEM & equality representatives.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “It is important that we remember the bravery of the Bristol Bus Boycott workers. Make no mistake these workers paved the way for the Race Relations Act, yet again showing that actions by everyday people can and does make long lasting significant change.
“Under my leadership, I wanted to right the wrongs of the past and ensure these workers have a place in Unite history. Unite under my leadership will ensure we fight for all workers and ensure they get their rightful piece of the pie. We saw during Covid who was essential - everyday workers. We must protect them and we will”.
Unite South West BAEM committee chair, Taranjit Shukra said: “The SW BAEM (South West Black and Asian Ethnic Minority) committee are delighted to be honouring the incredible activists of the Bristol Bus Boycott movement who found the courage and conviction to fight against the colour bar of the Bristol Omnibus Company in 1963.
“These pioneers stood up to the often violent racism of the time, against a backdrop of prejudice from much of society and disappointingly even our predecessor unions.
“In doing so these pioneers made a change for us all by paving the way for the Race Relations Acts 1965, 1968. For this, we salute them and are honoured to once again give them a platform to share their story with the next generation and to unveil a plaque to commemorate their activities.”
Read more: Calls for more black history in schools after Bristol Bus Boycott anniversary