A Black History Tour of St Paul's, Bristol, UK

As part of Bristol Walkfest 2021, I interviewed Angel Mel as we tried out the Black History Tour of St Paul's using the 'Go Jauntly' app. Angel Mel is a local DJ and Broadcaster and has lived in the area for most of her life. The walk features the Seven Saints of St Paul's. These murals are the work of Michele Curtis, a Bristol-based artist, and they celebrate the contributions of some key figures in Bristol’s history. Roy Hackett was born in Jamaica. He moved to the UK in 1952. In 1965, Roy Hackett, Owen Henry, and Clifford Drummond established the Commonwealth Co-ordinated Committee (CCC) now known as the Bristol West Indian Parents & Friends Association, to challenge the racist policies of the Bristol City Council and other institutions in the city. Together with other groups they challenged the discriminatory hiring practices of the Bristol Omnibus Company and organised a bus boycott. Within six months, the colour bar was lifted and Bristol’s first non-White bus conductor was hired. Roy also served as chair of the management committee for the world-famous Bamboo Club which was owned by sailor and entrepreneur Tony Bullimore and his wife Lalel. The Bamboo Club welcomed people of all backgrounds and hosted bands like Bob Marley and the Wailers. Roy continues to live in Bristol and is a well-respected, loved, and active member of the community. Carmen Beckford was born in Jamaica. At 17, she came to the UK and trained as a nurse and in 1965, she joined the CCC. Carmen was the first Race Relations Officer in Bristol. She aimed to integrate all ethnicities within the city and build young people’s self-esteem. For Carmen’s work and dedication, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II awarded her an MBE in 1982. She was the first Black woman in the South West to receive such an honour. Carmen passed away on 18 May 2016. Audley Evans was born in Jamaica. When he and his wife Delores relocated to England and settled in Bristol, Audley became active in matters of civil rights. He was a member of the West Indian Development Committee, the CCC, and the Bristol West Indian Parents & Friends Association. With others, Audley organized and campaigned in the Bristol Bus Boycott. In 1967, he helped establish the St. Pauls’ Festival. Audley passed away on 6 August 1991. Clifford Lesseps Drummond was born in Jamaica. He and his wife Mavis moved to the UK in 1954. Clifford was involved in multiple community organisations including the CCC, the Bristol West Indian National Association and the Bristol West Indian Parents & Friends Association, all of which he co-founded. Clifford assisted new immigrants from Asia and the Caribbean with the legal and bureaucratic mazes of the time. He invited speakers to Bristol to talk about health matters such as the then little-known sickle cell disease. Clifford passed away on 26 October 2002. Owen Henry was born in Jamaica. He co-founded the CCC now known as the Bristol West Indian Parents & Friends Association. To combat housing discrimination, he co-founded the United Housing Association now known as United Communities. Additionally, together with Clifford Drummond, he started the first Black-owned travel agency in Bristol. In 1963, Owen spearheaded the Bristol Bus Boycott. Later, Owen became a member of the Voluntary Police Liaison Committee which was set up to improve relations between the police and the community following the 1980 St Paul's riot. He was also a member of the Bristol Racial Equality Council. In 1979, the Jamaican Prime Minister Michael Manley awarded Owen the Order of Merit (OM). He passed away on 1December 1989. Dolores Campbell was born in Jamaica. With fellow Saints of St Paul's, Dolores co-founded the St. Paul's Festival and the United Housing Association now known as United Communities. Dolores was the official first lady of the CCC which later became known as the Bristol West Indian Parents & Friends Association. She also served on the sick and visiting committee. In this role, Dolores visited community members in their homes and hospitals when they were unwell. Dolores’s deep compassion for children led her to become a foster parent. Over an 18-year period, she fostered approximately 30 children. One of these children became a permanent member of her family. Dolores passed away on 25 August 2011. Barbara Dettering was born in British Guyana. Barbara was a social worker and is one of the longest-serving members of the Bristol West Indian Parents & Friends Association. Barbara plays a major role in the facilitation of the Malcolm X elders group held at the Malcolm X Community Centre in St Paul's. She also co-founded the United Housing Association now known as United Communities. Barbara is a member of ACTA Community Theatre and has performed in many productions throughout the city. Barbara continues to live in Bristol and is a well-respected, loved, and active member of the community.