Bristol civil rights activist has University of the West of England BAME bursary named after him
The University of the West of England has introduced a bursary to provide increased access to higher education for black, asian and minority ethnic (BAME) students.
And the grant has been named after Bristol civil rights activist, community worker, and diversity ambassador Dr. Paul Stephenson.
The former Pride of Britain Award winner led a boycott of the Bristol Omnibus Company in 1963 to protest against its refusal to employ black or asian drivers or conductors.
The company eventually revoked its colour bar after a 60-day boycott supported by thousands of citizens.
UWE Bristol has a long-standing relationship with Mr Stephenson and his family. He was awarded an honorary degree of Master of Education in 2009 and has worked closely with the University for some time to launch this new initiative.
Five recipients will receive £1,000 in the first two years of their studies to help with living costs.
It is one of two new bursaries launched by the Faculty of Arts, Creative Industries and Education (ACE) to help new undergraduate students from under-represented groups with living costs.
Professor Jane Roscoe, Pro Vice Chancellor and Executive Dean for the ACE Faculty, said: “Education is a vehicle for changing lives. We are committed to ensuring that all people get access to Higher Education at UWE Bristol.
"We recognise that for some people the challenges they have faced in their lives may mean that they may not have seen Higher Education as an option for them. We hope that with these two bursaries we can start to change those perceptions and enable more people to continue their learning and make a difference to their lives.”