JtoJBristol October 2017
JtoJ trustee Dr Madge Dresser co-ordinated plans to bring JtoJ to Bristol with an impressive local steering group created after Parul Motin & Martin Spafford led a powerful taster day with her in October 2016. We were very grateful to our local partners including UWE (the University of the West of England), Bristol University, Bristol City Hall and Bristol cathedral for its offer of the stunning Chapter Room where our exhibition was displayed.
Some of Bristol’s many community and arts groups and schools were involved and the exhibition highlighted less told stories of the city’s famous history which though more well known for its involvement in slavery also has a lesser known activist counterculture committed to social justice. Over the past two centuries, Bristolians have organised anti-slavery campaigns, rioted for political rights, propagandised for prison reform, marched for women’s suffrage, demonstrated against fascism, boycotted against racism, and organised variety of innovative struggles for housing, sustainable development and against domestic violence and homophobia.
We are very grateful to Dr Paul Stephenson OBE the renowned civil rights campaigner and JtoJ trustee.
Bristol was proud to host the Journey to Justice travelling exhibition alongside a range of city-wide events in October 2017. We worked with a wide range of community groups, public organisations volunteers and supporters in Bristol who share our commitment to honour the history of social justice. Our aim is to inspire everyone to learn from the past in order to fight for their rights now and in the future.
To highlight past and present struggles for social justice, a full programme of exciting and innovative exhibitions, arts events, public debates, historic walking tours, training programmes, practical workshops and installations was held across the city during October.
Starting with a launch event at Bristol Cathedral (seen below in the BBC Points West clip) we were addressed by Professor Robert Beckford – listen to the podcast of his talk.
The month of events culminated in our Hands Across the City solidarity march in Bristol while on the same day Newcastle celebrated Freedom City 2017 marking the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr’s visit to receive an honorary degree.
4 – 29 October 2017 Journey to Justice exhibition
Bristol Cathedral BS1 5TJ
The travelling exhibition on the US civil rights movement tells the extraordinary story of some of the less well-known women, men and children involved, its music and its links to the UK. It questions: What it is that makes a human rights movement succeed? How can choices made by ordinary people lead to significant social and political change?
Journey to Justice Bristol exhibition also on display includes:
– A timeline of Bristol’s long and vibrant history of social activism and social justice to the present day.
– Bristol Bus Boycott in 1963 which paved the path for UK legislation on race equality.
– Peaches Golding, a family’s journey to Justice – from slavery to human rights campaigning to England’s first black High Sheriff and Lord Lieutenant.
– Refusing To Kill – Bristol’s WWI conscientious objectors.
View the photo gallery from the exhibition launch on 3 October 2017
2nd – 29th October ‘Outstories’ the history of Bristol’s LGBT community exhibition
Central Library Foyer, Bristol BS1 5TL
Revealing individual stories of persecution, discrimination and LGBT rights campaigning in Bristol through the ages. Find out more about OutStories Bristol.
Free
2nd – 29th October The Fight For Rights Exhibition
Central Reference Library, Bristol BS1 5TL
The local journey; from anti slavery to civil rights and equality is featuring here in seldom seen material from Bristol Central Library’s world class historic collection.
4th October Peaches Golding OBE in Conversation with Dr. Madge Dresser
M Shed, Bristol BS1 4RN
Peaches Golding is descended from both enslaved Africans and Slave Owners and her father won a case against segregation on the buses in the deep South 10 years before Rosa Parks. Peaches recounts her family history and her own personal journey to become England’s first Black High Sheriff and the nation’s first Black Lord Lieutenant. Excerpts from a film made specially for Journey to Justice about Peaches by City of Bristol College students will also be featured.
Following Peaches Golding’s inspiring talk you may like to continue your evening floating along the harbour with Bristol Ferry Boats. Celebrating songs and stories from Africa with Cecilia Ndhlovu. ‘Stories in Music – Explore the tales hidden in plain sight’.
4th – 6th October Daughters of Igbo Woman, untold stories of The Georgian House
The Bearpit, Bristol BS1 3LY
Marking 250 years anniversary of Frances (Fanny) Coker’s birth this multimedia event charts three generations in three continents separated by the transatlantic slave trade. As a freed slave, Fanny was maidservant to Mrs Pinney of the Georgian House. Hear her story from the UK and those of her mother Igbo Polly’s story from Nevis and her grandmother’s, an Igbo woman from Eastern Nigeria. Find out more about the project
View the film trailer below
7th October Social Justice for Refugees – what does this mean?
Redland Quaker Meeting House, Bristol BS6 6JE
Fairness is a moral concept. How does it apply to the treatment of people seeking sanctuary? What changes are needed to make Britain a truly fair and welcoming place? Refugee speakers and Quaker children and adults will reflect on how things are now. This event, open to all, will be followed by a shared meal provided by Moveable Feast.
8th October Journey to Justice Bristol in Film
Millennium Square, Bristol BS1 5LL
A 15 minute medley of film highlights archive footage from the work of leading documentary filmmakers Colin Thomas, David Parker and others, on Bristol’s history of social justice along with a short film on the work of Journey to Justice.View the film trailer below
8th October Barton Hill Cotton Workers
Valentine Bridge, Bristol BS1 6DX
This walk is about the struggles of Bristol’s men and women workers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It starts on Valentine Bridge (behind Temple Meads Railway Station) with an introductory talk, crosses over to Avon Street, continues through the old industrial working class areas of St Philip’s and Barton Hill via the Great Western Cotton Factory, and ends at the Old Council House in Corn Street. Find out more about Bristol Radical History Group.
9th October Battling for Bristol
The Cube Cinema, Bristol BS2 8JP
An evening of films on Bristol campaigns for social justice. It will include the risings of 1831, 1980 and 1986, the demands for decent housing and for equality for women workers, as well as film of the bus boycott that ended racial discrimination on Bristol’s buses. Sponsored by the Bristol Radical History Group.
10th October St Matthias Lecture
Bristol Cathedral, Bristol BS1 5TJ
A lecture entitled ‘Justice: our hope in a divided world’ will be given by Mona Siddiqui OBE, Professor of Islamic and Interreligious Studies at the University of Edinburgh. Mona Siddiqui is a public intellectual and speaker on issues around religion, ethics and public life, she is especially known in Britain for her appearances on BBC Radio 4’s Thought for the Day.
11th October Unite Reception Journey to Justice Exhibition
Bristol Cathedral, Bristol BS1 5TJ
The Unite South West Region reception gives you an opportunity to view the Journey to Justice Travelling exhibition and to celebrate Black History Month.
11th October Social justice, Jews and the refugee experience in Britain
Redland Green Bowling Club, Bristol BS6 7HE
A talk by Vivienne Jackson from the Jewish Council for Racial Equality (JCORE), the leading British Jewish organisation on race and asylum. In the present climate of anti-immigration and Islamophobic sentiment in much of the national press, what do Jewish people have to contribute to debates about migration and racial discrimination? Find out more about DAVAR Bristol.
12th October Imaginative Geographies of the Black/White Atlantic
Powell Lecture Theatre, Bristol BS8 1TL
Reflecting upon the figure of Edward Long, 18C slave-owner, family man, creole nationalist and historian, Professor Catherine Hall identifies central questions for our understanding of present day racism and post colonialism. She led the path-breaking ESRC project ‘Legacies of British Slave Ownership’, and is the author of many acclaimed books. The talk will be followed by a drinks reception.
12th October Who Listens to Knowle West? Belonging to Knowle West
The Park, Bristol BS4 1DQ
Long-term residents of Knowle West and Filwood Park are invited to a meal and event celebrating and reflecting on the history of the estate, to share their personal stories and experiences. An opportunity to discuss the problems residents have faced since the 1930s and how fairly they feel they have been treated. With participants’ permission the event will be filmed.
12th October Access to Justice Under Attack
Bristol Law Society, Bradford House, 12 Colston Avenue Bristol BS1 4ST
Join Young Legal Aid Lawyers South West for an evening exploring the individual’s ability to challenge state interference. Subtitled ‘Brexit, Charlie Gard and the Rule of Law’, hear from legal professionals who specialise in health and social care, community care, mental health and education law, children’s immigration, human rights and family law.
13th October Belonging to Knowle West and beyond?
The Park, Bristol BS4 1DQ
Eastern European migrants and other minorities living in Knowle West and Filwood Park are invited to join refugees and asylum seekers in Bristol to partake of a meal together and share their personal accounts of how and why they came to the UK and their experience of the hostility and hospitality they have encountered since.
13th October Proclaiming Justice: an evening of poetry music and art
Arnolfini, Bristol BS1 4QA
An evening of middle eastern food and music, sponsored poetry recitations on the subject of ‘Exile’ and sale of art. Your £35 ticket includes food and a glass of wine and is to raise funds for Trauma Foundation South West to support their work providing counselling and psychotherapy for highly traumatised refugees and asylum seekers.
14th October Poetry for Social Justice Workshop
The Station, Bristol BS1 2AG
A poetry workshop for up to 12 people looking at six figures in Bristol’s history (three men, three women) who have done pioneering work to bring about social justice and their stories. We will write two poems and do a close reading of poetry from the Amnesty International book of political poets, “Fire in the Soul”. The aim is to inspire the participants through their connection with these campaigners and lead them through a process to each group member writing some great poems. Sarah Scotthorne, poet and publisher will lead this workshop.
14th October Edward Colston History Walk
Why is our city dominated by this man’s legacy?
Redcliffe Caves, Bristol BS1 6SR
Starting with St Mary Redcliffe church, the walk takes in other Bristol churches in the city centre where ‘the life and work’ of Edward Colston is given religious legitimacy. Along the way we see evidence of Colston’s involvement with the transatlantic slave trade and discover how the Victorian elite created a ‘cult of Colston’ that is now said to form part of our city’s ‘identity’.
15th October Slavery remembrance ritual and Capoeira Roda
The Fountains, Bristol City Centre BS14BY
This walk takes a creative look at the complex history of Bristol’s involvement with slavery and its aftermath. Experience a mix of storytelling, music, singing and movement based on the oral traditions and family histories of the descendants of enslaved people from the Caribbean and Africa. There will be a Capoeira Roda demonstrating the martial art created by the slaves taken to Brazil. Capoeira, banned by Brazilian slave owners as it was used as a form of resistance, survived, and continues to be a form of resistance and source of social justice/change in Brazil and around the world.
16th October Bristol Women Campaigners, Rioters and Workers, c. 1640-2000
A city walk led by Dr. Madge Dresser visiting places where women campaigners, rioters and workers were active in Bristol. Show of Strength’s Sheila Hannon will accompany us performing dramatised readings en route. Duration between 1- 1.5 hours.
16th October Wesley and the Anti-Slavery Movement
The Horsefair Room at The New Room, John Wesley’s Chapel, Bristol BS1 3JE
How was a leading figure of the evangelical revival in 18th Century Britain persuasive in calling for the abolition of the slave trade? Join us in the new Visitors’ Centre at the New Room as our Warden Gary Best explores how John Wesley made an impact on society, and how Methodism continues to fight the causes of injustice in our world today.
17th October Strangers to the City: Untold Stories of Ethnic Minorities and Refugees in Bristol, c. 1200-1963
Meet at the Bristol Bus Boycott Plaque in the Bristol Coach Station
A Future Cities and JtoJBristol city walk follows some untold stories about ethnic minorities and refugees in Bristol from 1290 to 1963. An artist will accompany walkers who will be invited to sketch their own impressions stimulated by the places we visit. For people over 10 years of age. Duration 2 hours.
17th October Imagining Southmead
Orchard School Bristol BS7 0XZ
A workshop and exhibition open to all. 70 years ago, when Southmead was only half built and the Welfare State was newly born, a group of schoolboys created a vision of a perfect place to live. Orchard Secondary School will look at housing, social justice and their estate today and compare their views with Southmead teenagers in 1948. You are invited to come and share your thoughts on changing perceptions of what is needed to make an ideal community.
19th October Voice from the past
An outdoor exhibition of Bristol’s political heroes of the past in the struggle for justice. Working with Bristol Artists, students of the Creative Youth Network, with help from The People’s Republic of Stokes Croft, will build the exhibition in the Bearpit from 10th-18th October, when passers-by will see artists and students at work in this extraordinary public space where the city finds its political voice. View the artwork
20th October ongoing until 2018 Brave Poor Things: reclaiming Bristol’s disability history
MShed, Bristol BS1 4RN
For nearly 100 years, the Guild for the Brave Poor Things provided a vital social and educational hub for disabled people in Bristol. This exhibition tells the story of the founder; social justice pioneer Ada Vachell, and the new commissioned building of 1913 the first of its kind to take into consideration the needs of those with physical impairments and still standing today in Old Market.
Find out more about A History of Place
20th October Symposium- Brave, Poor (and Invisible): The gatekeepers of past and future cities
MShed, Princes Wharf, Wapping Rd, Bristol BS1 4RN
This symposium brings together academics and community partners to expose and explore the often absent voices of disabled people in our collective history as well as our future planning. Experience creative happenings, visits by robots and an opportunity to be part of a Cultural Animation installation work.
21st October Sweet Waters: Soundings
Saltford Brass Mill: The Shallows Saltford BS31 3EY
An installation of soundings and images ‘sense-ing’ the responses and resonances gathered during the Sweet Waters: Legacies of Slave Ownership project. Earlier this Summer, performative walks were led along the River Avon between Bath and Bristol, reflecting on what went down the river and what returned at this nexus of the ‘Triangular’ trade; and what was made using the wind and water energy, local labour and wealth generated by enslaved peoples.
21st October There IS Black in the Union Jack
St Pauls’s Settlement, 74-80 City Rd, Bristol BS2 8UH
A community screening of the Bristol-made documentary which is part of the #ThereISBlackInTheUnionJack project. The film produced by Black South West Network and funded by Heritage Lottery uses interviews from members of the community to explore issues of race, identity and belonging post Brexit. There will be a panel discussion to follow chaired by Dr. Edson Burton, playwright and performer.
22nd October Moving stories, travelling tales
Kingfisher Cafe,Bristol BS16 2LE
Listen to readings by refugees about their own stories from a new book published by Borderlands. Supporting them will be performances by Professor Madge Dresser on Black History in Fishponds in the 1920s, by playwright and performer, Dr. Edson Burton, and by ‘Bristol’s Poet Laureate’ Miles Chambers.
22nd October Story Slam: Justice
Trinity Centre, Trinity Rd, Bristol BS2 0NE
Join us for a special afternoon of amazing true stories told live on stage by volunteers from the audience. Put your name in the hat for a chance to tell your story, or just enjoy everyone else’s! All the stories will be on the theme of ‘Justice’, whether it be justice achieved, carried out, miscarried or perverted. Stories of fairness, protests, crime and vigilantism. Winning arguments, getting what is rightfully yours, or someone else getting what they deserve…
Find out more about Story Slam Bristol
23rd October St Paul’s Youth Workshop
St Paul’s Adventure Playground, Bristol BS2 9LL
History based sessions for young people aged 11-16 with the aim of challenging misconceptions around ideas of race and migration. Workshop led by Nayah Yetunde and Hannah John.
24th October Positive identity; successful learners
Barton Hill University Settlement, BS5 0AX
This workshop aimed at teachers, classroom assistants, education students and parents, explores how to nurture positive identities in children through a social justice approach. The workshop run by Yasmin Malik who has first hand experience in inner-city Bristol schools, employs a multi-media approach using poetry, short texts and videos to explore the many dimensions that contribute to identity formation. Participants will receive practical advice on how best to build on pupils’ experience in the classroom and beyond.
25th October Crafty Cathedral
26 October In search of a king
Watershed, Bristol BS1 5TX
Author and Ujima Radio Chair Roger Griffith, takes us through his own Journeys to Justice. He guides us through his travels in America, discovering a shared heritage through slavery and identity from the civil rights struggle. Roger connects this personal story through the Caribbean and the Windrush Generation that brought him to Bristol. He will also give insights on current race issues, with readings from his book and a brand new poem. The lecture is followed by a special showing of Britain on Film: Black Britain.
27th October ‘This Evil Thing’
Bristol Cathedral, Bristol BS1 5TJ
Well-known actor and playwright Michael Mears performs his one-man play, a compelling, shocking and inspiring story of the men who said no to war in 1916.
28 October Bristol Somalis talk frankly across generations
Barton Hill University Settlement, BS5 0AX
As part of the Bristol Somali Cultural Festival, local Somali actors bring together the stories gathered in four separate workshops this summer, for Bristol Somali mothers, fathers, sons and daughters. Each group, had their own space to talk about the pressures they’ve faced adjusting to life in Britain and what they would really like to discuss with other family members. Refreshments available
28 October Rights to Move
MShed, Bristol BS1 4RN
Following the acclaimed and sold-out performances of Rights to Move, Creative Youth Network (CYN) alongside Rise Youth Dance Company and Tribe Dance Theatre are bringing back a short, one-off extract of the performance that explores civil and human rights from a young person’s perspective using dance and live music.
Your rights! your voice! your body! your movement!
CYN thank the Heritage Lottery for funding Rights to Move
28 October Campaigning in the Park
Dalrymple Park, Bristol BS2 8YJ
The first of a series of creative learning aimed at young people between the ages of 8-15 that will take part across four parks in Bristol. The aim is to empower young people to take social action to achieve change through learning the basics on effective campaigning and sharing best practice based on the Dalrymple Park – Protect our Parks campaign. Workshops will continue to be held up until March 2018
28 October The Art of Protest: Banner and placard making workshop
People’s Republic of Stokes Croft Yard. Bristol BS2 8JP
Basic banner and placard making using the facilities of the PRSC yard where many protest placards have been created over the past ten years. Participants will make placards and banners to accompany the Hands across the City solidarity march on 29th October.
29th October Hands across the city
Castle Park by the Bristol Bridge entrance, BS1 3XD
The culmination of the month-long celebration of Journey to Justice Bristol, this historical walk starts at Bristol Bridge. It proceeds to Pero’s Bridge where we shall hold hands to make a human bridge affirming the city’s solidarity with refugees, asylum seekers and migrant communities. We shall end at City Hall with a celebration event. Everyone is encouraged to wear colourful clothing, to make this a real celebration of diversity and of our own personal journeys to justice.
Following the celebrations at City Hall you may like to move on to Hamilton House for ‘Lyrically Justified Speaks Volumes’ from 17:00 – 20:00, an evening of Poetry, dance, music and storytelling. Find out more
30th October Unlocking the entrepreneurial talent of refugees
Engine Shed, Bristol BS1 6QH
This event will focus on the untapped wealth of entrepreneurial talent refugees in the West of England have to offer. It will showcase our research and offer solutions for unlocking this talent. Speakers include Ed Rowberry (Bristol & Bath Regional Capital CIC), and key business leaders and officials from the West of England LEP and local Councils will be contributing to the discussion.
11 November Guardians from Ancient Africa
Watershed, Bristol BS1 5TX
A panel discussion lead by Dr. Jose Lingna Nafafé, Bristol University lecturer in history from Guinea Bissau, following his interesting new research on the revolt against slavery by a Congolese Prince, the first anti-slavery campaigners in 1550 that resulted in the abolition of slavery in Rome. The discussion captures the African history and identity, recognising the strength of ancient Africa, and the many histories that have been buried.
Thanks
Journey to Justice Bristol thanks Bristol Cathedral for hosting the national exhibition and our key contributors:
and thanks to our local partners, volunteers, donors and supporters who include:
Also Better Bilingual, Better Foods Company, Black History Month Bristol, Bristol Fair Trade, Bristol Ferry Boats, Bristol Quakers, Bristol Women’s Voice, Capoiera Angola Bristol, Colin Thomas, Countering Colston, Daughters of Igbo Woman, David Parker, Dr. Edson Bruton, Miles Chambers, Myers-Insole Local Learning CIC, Orchard School Bristol, Parsons Street Primary School, Primrose Granville, RA Cultural Consultancy Services, Remembering the Real WWI, St Paul’s Adventure Playground Group, Tangent Books, The Bristol Cable, Unite Filton Branch, Unite Bristol Bus Drivers Branch, Xisto Wines, Dhek Bhal.
