Preview: Journey to Justice Bristol 2017

Charity Journey to Justice‘s vision is to give people the opportunity to participate in events that honour the history of social justice, explore hidden histories and join people together.

Throughout October, over 35 exciting exhibitions, public debates, talks, walks and  workshops will open to the public in venues around Bristol. With the organisation’s connections to various community groups, public organisations and volunteers in Bristol, there is a packed programme of innovative events, most of which are free to attend.

The main attraction, which kicks off the whole month, is the Journey to Justice Exhibition (Bristol Cathedral, October 4-29). This interactive exhibit tells the engaging, lesser-known stories of those involved in the US civil rights movement, along with a glimpse into Bristol’s own path to social justice.

Just around the corner from the cathedral exhibition is The Fight for Rights Exhibition (Central Library, October 2-29). For those who are interested in getting a deeper understanding of Bristol’s anti-slavery and civil rights history, the Central Library allows visitors free exploration into the library’s renowned historic collection.

Peaches Golding OBE, pictured with Prince Charles

Aside from workshops, there is also a programme of engaging talks. One of the highlights will be Peaches Golding OBE in conversation with programme director Dr Madge Dresser (M Shed, October 4).

Peaches Golding is the first black woman in history to hold the title of Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of the County and City of Bristol, and previous generations of her family were enslaved. She will hold an engaging talk about her own family history and personal experiences.

The programme of events aims to appeal to people of all ages, and the St Paul’s Youth Workshop (Malcom X Centre, October 7) will be open to young people aged 11-16. It will be a hands-on history workshop, exploring the common misunderstandings regarding race and migration.

Alternatively, there are a limited number of spaces available at the Poetry for Social Justice Workshop (The Station, October 14) for all age groups. This one-day workshop allows people to learn about six key figures in Bristol’s history who have undertaken important work to facilitate social justice.

Some of the key people involved in marking the Bristol Bus Boycott with a plaque

Not all of the events in the programme are confined to a single location. Strangers to the City: Untold Stories of Ethnic Minorities and Refugees in Bristol, c. 1200-1963 will be an eye-opening city walk (October 17, setting off from the Bristol Bus Boycott plaque in Bristol Coach Station). It will explore the untold stories of ethnic minorities and refugees living in Bristol from 1290 to 1963. Accompanied by an artist who encourages the tour to sketch out their impressions from the historic sites visited, participants are sure to see their city in a completely new light.

Exploring more enlightening personal experiences of refugees, Travelling Tales is a reading event where refugees will speak about their own personal stories of leaving their homeland (Kingfisher Café, October 22).

For more information about all of these events and the rest of the programme, and to buy tickets, visit: www.journeytojustice.org.uk/projects/bristol

Read more: Interview – Dr Madge Dresser