Paul Stephenson OBE (b.1937) civil rights campaigner for the Black community

Paul is a community worker, activist and long time campaigner for the British African -Caribbean community in Bristol, England.

In 1963 he led a boycott of the Bristol Omnibus Company for refusing to employ Black or Asian drivers or conductors. As an articulate and university educated person he became the spokesman for the boycott. After 60 days they revoked the colour bar. In September Raghbir Singh became Bristol’s first non-white bus conductor

In 1964 achieved national fame for refusing to leave the Bay Horse publuc house until he was served. ’ We don’t want you Black people here -you are a nuisance.’
He was charged with failing to leave a licensed premises. Prosecutors alleged he behaved aggressively- witness accounts refuted it. Case was dismissed and barman sacked.

His campaigns led to the Race Relations Act in 1965.

Moved to Coventry and then London. (Read further career)

1988 received Bristol City Council Community award for Achievement and Services rendered to the Black Community .

Returned to Bristol in 1992.

1996 received the Bristol West African and Caribbean Council Community Achievers award.
2006 received One Person Can Make a Difference award.
2007 received Freedom of the City for Bristol
2009 awarded OBE for his services to equal opportunities.
2014 awarded Doctor of Law by University of Bristol ‘for his dedication to fighting for equality and civil rights across Bristol and around the world for over 60 years.’
2017 received from Lenny Henry Pride of Britain award for lifetime achievement - read judges citation where he is thanked for his courage, principles and determination

2020 Intercity Express Train named in his honour
He might even get his own statue in Bristol.

Source
Wikipedia