Special celebration of the life of Dr Paul Stephenson OBE
Last week marked Race Equality Week in the UK.
The Friday before I had the privilege to attend a special celebration of the life of one of the UK’s leading race equality campaigners, Dr Paul Stephenson OBE.
Dr Stephenson was a gentle giant, who was unstoppable in speaking out against racial discrimination.
About 400 people gathered at Bristol cathedral to pay their respects to Dr Stephenson, who died in November last year aged 87. It was a fitting service to honour Dr Stephenson, whose actions, including leading the Bristol Bus Boycott in 1963 and carrying out a one-man sit in at a Bristol pub that refused to serve him, helped to pave the way for the first Race Relations Act in 1965.
The Act, the first piece of legislation to target racial discrimination in Britain, banned racial discrimination in public places and was soon followed by the 1968 Race Relations Act, which banned discrimination in employment.
The atmosphere inside the Cathedral was very moving, celebratory, and inspiring. I felt a sense of togetherness and hope. The service celebrated the life of Dr Stephenson through tributes from Broadcaster Trevor Phillips OBE, former cabinet minister Lord Paul Boateng, racial justice campaigner Lord Simon Woolley, Broadcaster Sherrie Eugene, and Peter Courtier MBE, a former director of the Bristol Racial Equality Council.
A written tribute from retired boxer Frank Bruno MBE, and our former Mayor of Bristol, Marvin Rees, read out a letter on behalf of Dr Stephenson’s daughter, Fumi.
It was inspiring to hear what Dr Stephenson went through trying to change society not only in Bristol but nationally and internationally. His courage and determination to continue to fight for freedom and stand up for racial justice is remarkable. The feeling of purpose was reinforced by the music performed during the service, music like the anti-apartheid anthem Something Inside So Strong,
I echo the same sentiments shared by many people who gave their tributes, and those I spoke to after the service, that to continue Dr Stephenson’s legacy we all need to keep having open and honest conversations and take collective approaches to challenge systemic barriers and stand for justice.
In my role as Police and Crime Commissioner tackling racism and inequity in the criminal justice system is one of the areas of my focus. And I am fully aware of the overrepresentation of marginalised racially minoritised people at all stages of the legal process – for example in the use of powers like stop and search by police, arrest, prosecution, and sentencing.
This over representation is linked to systemic biases, racial profiling, and racial inequalities that lead to unequal treatment. These are the very issues people like Dr Stephenson have been fighting for but sadly some of these discriminatory practices still exist, and together we must find ways to tackle some of these issues.
It is central to my work to take action on this issue and I also want to take the opportunity to introduce a series of blogs spotlighting some of the Black and Minoritised led organisations and individuals who are providing services or supporting people on policing matters. Last year’s Black History Month was themed on Changing the Narrative and there are so many changemakers and organisations changing the narrative all year round in our area that I want to highlight that work throughout the year.
To keep Dr Stephenson’s legacy alive we must continue to talk about the things which matter to all of us and follow his example.