Bus boycott legend Paul Stephenson passes

LONDON:

Dr Paul Stephenson, Bristol’s pioneering civil rights leader, has died at the age of 87 after a prolonged battle with Parkinson’s disease and dementia.

The revered campaigner is remembered for his lifelong dedication to fighting racial discrimination and advancing equality.

Stephenson was instrumental in leading the Bristol Bus Boycott in 1963, and his passing on November 2, came only a week after he was honoured with a plaque for his one-man sit-in at the Bay Horse pub after he was refused service because he was a black man.

His children, daughter Fumi and son Paul Jr, issued a statement announcing his death. They said: “We have been immensely fortunate to witness first-hand the profound impact Dr Paul Stephenson had on our community and our nation.

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“Known for his leadership in the 1963 Bristol Bus Boycott, he was a passionate advocate for equality, tirelessly working to dismantle the barriers of discrimination.”

Born in Essex in 1937, Stephenson was the first black social worker employed in Bristol. But he made the international news in 1963 when he led thousands in a 60-day protest and bus boycott against the Bristol Omnibus Company’s refusal to hire black or Asian drivers. The victory from the protest paved the way for the UK’s Race Relations Act.

His commitment to equality and social justice earned him numerous honours, including being made an OBE for his services to equal opportunities, honorary degrees from various universities, and being recognised with the Bristol’s Freedom award.

He received the Pride of Britain Award for Lifetime Achievement, with the citation: “Thanks to Paul’s courage, principles, and determination, Britain is a more open and tolerant place today.

“He has changed the way we all live for the better.”

Fumi and Paul Jr said: “Despite the demands of his work, Dad’s love and support for our family never wavered. He encouraged our independence and growth, always striving to ensure that we could forge our paths.

“Dad’s unwavering commitment to improving the lives and experiences of people in our community was truly infectious.

“His tireless work and activism touched the lives of so many, both locally and on a broader national and global scale.

“Beyond his impactful contributions, he cherished long conversations, in particular over a nice glass of white wine, where his warmth, wisdom, and passion for meaningful change always shone through.

“Ultimately, our father’s legacy extends far beyond the awards and accolades he received.

“It is embodied in the lives he touched, the barriers he broke down, and the generations he inspired to fight for a more just and equitable world.

“Our relationship was one of deep respect, understanding, and a shared passion for knowledge and intellectual discourse.

“We are forever grateful and proud to have had him as our father, greatest supporter, inspiration, and legend!

“He will be deeply missed, but his spirit and his impact will continue to live on.”

Among those paying tribute was former Luton social worker Steve Stephenson, who had worked with Paul when he ran the Mohammed Ali Sports Foundation. Steve said Paul helped fund the Starlight Youth Club, which he led, and the football kit bought for the club helped them beat the local police force in a friendly match.

Steve said: “The win over the Bedfordshire police gave many of the youngsters, who felt harassed by the police, a massive moral victory. To rub salt in the wound, we also beat the police at a cricket match at their headquarters in Kempton. The donation from Paul Stephenson had inspired the young people and the wider community.”