Paul Stephenson (civil rights campaigner)

As a young social worker, in 1963 Stephenson led a boycott of the Bristol Omnibus Company, protesting against its refusal to employ Black or Asian drivers or conductors.

[6] In January 1955 the Passenger group, that is the section representing those working in Passenger Transport, of the local branch of the Transport and General Workers Union had passed a resolution that "coloured workers should not be employed as bus crews" by the Bristol Omnibus Company.

[10][11] As an articulate and university-educated person, Stephenson became spokesman for the boycott, which soon attracted nationwide media interest, and the campaign grew to receive support from Bristolians of all colours, and from Tony Benn, MP for Bristol East, and Harold Wilson, leader of the Labour opposition.

[14] In the following year Stephenson achieved national prominence when he refused to leave a public house, the Bay Horse pub in Bristol, without being served.

The case attracted media attention, and the Bristol Evening Post ran the story with the headline "West Indian leader made a fool of himself."

At his trial in a magistrate's court, prosecutors alleged that he had behaved aggressively, but witness accounts refuted this claim.

[23] The citation stated: "Paul Stephenson has devoted his life to improving race relations and encouraging community involvement and is a founder member of the Bristol Black Archives Project which has contributed greatly to an understanding of the history of the City and has helped to build closer relations between all the communities of Bristol.

[25] He received honorary degrees from the University of the West of England (Master of Education) in November 2009, "in recognition of his substantial contribution to pioneering work in race relations and the extension of opportunity to socially excluded young people",[21] and the University of Bristol (Doctor of Law) in July 2014 "for his dedication to fighting for equality and civil rights across Bristol and around the world for over 60 years".

"[29] The judges' citation said: "Thanks to Paul's courage, principles and determination, Britain is a more open and tolerant place today.

[30][31] On 20 October 2020, Great Western Railway named one of its Intercity Express Trains (800 036) in Stephenson's honour at a ceremony at Bristol Temple Meads station.