Rare chance to hear audio of Black voices from Bristol’s past

Sherrie Eugene-Hart believes it’s time for all of us to put ourselves in the shoes of Black people who paved the way in Bristol.

The award-winning broadcaster has been delving into the city’s audio archives to source rare interviews and recordings dating back to the Second World War that have not been heard in decades.

She will present her findings in a new short film, Black Voices from Bristol’s Past, which will be screened on Monday, December 14 as part of Bristol Archives’ Monday lunchtime talks series.

Sherrie said listening to the voices of real people talking about their experiences transported her back to the past and enabled her to feel a new level of connection with the trailblazers who went before her.

“It’s time for all of us, Black and White, to put ourselves in the shoes of Black people who were here, in Bristol, in the 40s and beyond,” says the broadcaster.

“I challenge you to empathise like I have empathised even though you may never have gone through what they went through. Most of the people behind these voices I’ve never met but their stories touched me; it was like I was listening to the pain of my parents and the stories they kept from me. After all, why would they share deep-rooted pain with their children?

“As much as there is pain, there is joy and aspiration too in every voice. The hope for the future shone for me like a beacon. Of course, we are yet to realise many of their aspirations but without a doubt, it’s in our hands.”

Spanning famous moments in Bristol’s history, as well as everyday observations, the audio recordings provide a unique glimpse into the city’s past, from the 1940s to the 1990s. They have been digitised and made available by Bristol Archives’ Unlocking Our Sound Heritage Hub.

Project manager Katie Scaife says: “Our work is urgent. Professional consensus estimates there is only 15 years to save these recordings before the equipment to play them disappears and the materials the recordings are made of begin to decay.

“We’re proud to be preserving the nation’s audio heritage and also to share it with new listeners.  Audio is an important though often overlooked part of our shared heritage we’re delighted Sherrie has agreed to produce this fascinating film.”

Sherrie (pictured with her late father, Hector, and her daughter, India) says hearing the voices was like listening to the pain of her parents – photo courtesy of Sherrie Eugene-Hart

Speaking about why this is the right time to launch such a project, Sherrie says: “It feels like people have just started to listen to the cries of the oppressed, and now people are working out what to do about it.

“Change happens when the oppressed keep talking about what matters to them. Eventually, they have to be heard. I listened to the voices and as much as I heard the joy and the pain, I also heard the silence and the unspoken. Not only can we learn from them, but act on them. Once again, it’s in our hands.”

Register to attend the free screening and talk via www.bristolmuseums.org.uk/bristol-archives/whats-on/black-voices-from-bristols-past/.

Main photo courtesy of Sherrie Eugene-Hart

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