Bristol Bus Boycott's Dr Paul Stephenson dies aged 87
ITV News' Sam Blackledge reflects on the wonderful life of Dr Paul Stephenson
Dr Paul Stephenson, one of the UK's leading civil rights campaigners and known for his leadership in the Bristol Bus Boycott, has died aged 87.
His family shared the news on Sunday 3 November, adding that he'd fought a "courageous battle" with Parkinson's disease and dementia.
In a statement, his children, daughter Fumi and son Paul Jr. described him as a "passionate advocate for equality."
They said: "It is with a heavy heart that Stephenson family share the passing of our beloved father, Dr. Paul Stephenson, a true pioneer in the civil rights movement.
"He left this world on the evening of 2 November 2024, after a courageous battle with Parkinson's disease and dementia, which he faced with the same unwavering determination that defined his life.
"We have been immensely fortunate to witness firsthand the profound impact Dr Paul Stephenson had on our community and our nation.
"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.”
"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."
They added: "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!"
Guy Reid-Bailey, who also took part in the Bristol Bus Boycott of 1963, paid tribute to Dr Stephenson following his death.
He said: "I would class Paul as a magnificent person, if you can sum things up in one word.
"He was a godsend for young black teenagers in Bristol. He was always there when he was needed and his support for young black men was second to none
"I am saddened today to learn of Paul passing and I hope his family will take comfort from what I’ve said."
Dr Paul Stephenson's journey
Dr Paul Stephenson was the first black social worker employed by the city of Bristol.
In his role he spearheaded the city's bus boycott, rallying thousands to stand against the Bristol Omnibus Company's refusal to hire Black or Asian drivers. His victory paved the way for the nation's first Race Relations Act.
Dr Paul Stephenson was refused service by a bartender at the Bay Horse pub in the city. On 10 April 1964, he was arrested and put on trial for protesting against their policy of not serving black people.
The magistrate threw out the charges and the case paved the way for the Race Relations Act of 1965, the UK’s first anti-racist law.
In 1983, Dr Stephenson spoke to ITV News' Bruce Hockin about his historic stand.
He said: "Large numbers of public houses in those days weren't serving black people. When I was told to get out because I was black, I thought that's not on and so I stayed.
"When the police came to arrest me I was surprised to find about 15 police officers, a Land Rover and a couple of dogs."
He added: "Of course I went through an enormous ordeal, the emotional ordeal of being locked up.
"There was a young Irishman in that public house who I didn't know but came to give evidence at the police station to say that I hadn't done anything really bad and they told him to go away."
The first Race Relations Act was in 1965. The first thing they did was make racial discrimination in public houses illegal.
Dr Paul Stephenson speaking in 1983 about his historic protest.
Over the years, Dr Stephenson's unwavering commitment to equality and social justice earned him numerous accolades - including an OBE for his services to equal opportunities, honorary degrees and doctorates and The Freedom of the City of Bristol.
He collaborated with high profile politicians in the UK and abroad and spoke at engagements at global United Nations conferences for policy development in race relations.
The late Tony Benn MP and Dr Paul Stephenson had a longstanding relationship spanning 50 years, which began when they first collaborated on the Bristol Bus Boycott.
Mr Benn would regularly attend Dr Stephenson's speaking engagements in Bristol and beyond and had attended his wedding.
Dr Stephenson spoke widely at schools and universities in the UK and abroad.
The University of Bristol, University of the West of England and the Open University all honoured him with doctorates. The University of West of England named a scholarship award after him.
Dr Stephenson collaborated with people in the entertainment industry including musicians, sports people and actors. He received a Pride of Britain Award for Lifetime Achievement from Lenny Henry.
In 2009, Dr Paul Stephenson and Dr Marie Annick Gournet were invited to Alabama by UNESCO's Teachers Task Force for the Transatlantic Slave Trade.
He spoke to an audience of teachers and academics at both the Rosa Parks Museum and the University, where everyone was truly in awe of the impact Dr Stephenson had made.
Many of these educators incorporate his story into their teachings about the bus boycott and its role in influencing legislative change in the UK.