Bristol launches bid to become the UK Capital of Civil Rights
More than 450 community leaders attended the landmark summit
More than 450 corporate, civic and community leaders have come together to launch a bid to become the UK Capital of Civil Rights.
The landmark summit included Lord Boateng, Lord Marvin Rees and civil rights pioneers who took part in the Bristol bus boycott.
Spearheaded by Curiosity Un(Ltd) and in partnership with the University of Bristol, the event on Tuesday 11th November marked 60 years since the Race Relations Act 1965.
Bristol is said to be where the Civil Rights movement in the UK began with the 1963 Bristol Bus Boycott - a landmark movement that successfully overturned the Bristol Omnibus Company’s refusal to employ Black or Asian bus crews.
“This moment calls for leadership with legacy in mind - collaboration that outlives campaigns and creates measurable, lasting change," said Julz Davis, from Curiosity Un(Ltd).
"We’re inviting the UK’s most visionary organisations to join us in shaping the next 100 years of civil rights - starting now,”
The Talks4Change Summit was the latest milestone in the Bristol Bus Boycott 360 campaign - an initiative that has mobilised over 90 public and private sector partners, including Arts Council England, Bristol City Council, and WECA.
“This summit embodies Bristol’s ongoing legacy of activism and innovation,” said Steve Bluff, Chief Operating Officer of Bristol BID.
“It’s not just about reflecting on the past - it’s about shaping the future of civic leadership.
"The conversations we start here have the power to influence how businesses, institutions and communities work together to build a fairer and more inclusive city.
"We believe the business community plays a vital role in driving that progress using our platforms, resources and networks to turn inspiration into action."