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12 of the best quotes from Bristol24/7 interviewees in 2020
2020 has been quite the year and people across Bristol have done great things. Here are just a few of our favourite quotes from Bristol24/7 interviewees over the last 12 months:
Julian Wood, founder of The Art of Kindness
“The current Covid-19 crisis has led to much more suffering, individually and collectively, and to an outbreak of fear and anxiety. Kindness is needed more than ever before to comfort and steady us.”
Julian Wood. Photo: Nicky Ebbage
Read more: Spreading kindness throughout Bristol
Olivette Otele, professor of slavery at the University of Bristol
“I think what makes Bristol exceptional is the activist heart and soul of the city and its people.”
Olivette Otele. Photo: University of Bristol
Read more: Olivette Otele: ‘What makes Bristol exceptional is its activist heart’
is needed now More than ever
Dr Paul Stephenson, civil rights activist
“History is very important for understanding who we are, what’s happening to us today and where our vision is for tomorrow. It is vital to take ownership of our history and to revisit it from time to time to ensure we have a clearer picture of our time and understanding of our humanity.”
Dr Paul Stephenson. Photo: Sarah Koury – KoLAB Studios
Read more: GWR names train after Bristol civil rights activist
Abdul Malik, owner of Pak Butchers
“There is challenge but there is hope in equal measure.”
Abdul Malik. Photo: Abdul Malik
Read more: ‘The local high street has proven its worth during the pandemic’
Warefta Murshed, Stories From Our City participant and masters student at the University of Bristol
“In the days following the protests, it became clear that the removal of Colston’s statue was not just an iconic moment in Bristol’s history, but rather a movement that has triggered a revision of history itself.”
Warefta Murshed (front left). Photo: Ellie Pipe
Caleb Parkin, Bristol city poet
“Remember: especially on a sunny day, Bristol is already a poem.”
Caleb Parkin. Photo: Paul Samuel White
Read more: Bristol’s new city poet revealed
Roger Griffith MBE, author and lecturer at UWE Bristol
“Post-Covid, I’m confident our future is bright, so now it’s time to rest my bald dome, / And even with our sullied past. This is a place that I’m proud to call home.”
Roger Griffith. Photo: Ellie Pipe
Read more: ‘Bristol, My Brizzle’
Ruby Pugh and Lanie Rose, co-founders of As a black person in the UK
“Many people in Bristol will think the problem is not here, because we are a relatively progressive city. However, we still had a statue celebrating a prolific slave trader in the city centre up until last month (June) and our own work receives regular abuse on social media. This just proves how much work we in Bristol and the rest of the UK have ahead of us.”
Ruby Pugh and Lanie Rose. Photo: As a black person in the UK
Read more: Amplifying Black voices through street art
Debbie Benjamin, volunteer at Sunday Kitchen
“We’ve all been brought together for a reason; this is our life. If you can help, just do it. It’s not about ego. We are real people who want to help.”
Debbie Benjamin (far right). Photo: Yvonne Deeney
Read more: How three women came together to feed residents in Barton Hill
Louise Delmege, director and Covid project manager at National Food Service
“We’re here because we all need care at some point in our lives. When we can give, we give, when we need we deserve to have.”
Louise Delmege. Photo: National Food Service
Read more: Eradicating food insecurity and pulling together in the face of pandemic
Poku Osei, CEO of Babbasa
“It’s true that the Covid pandemic has disproportionately impacted on black and ethnic minority people, but the crisis also presents a set of opportunities going forward.”
Poku Osei. Photo: Bhagesh Sachania
Read more: Bristol’s Black professionals network launches economic empowerment event
Ngaio Anyia, singer, DJ and writer
“The more I see white people and people from other communities stepping up for Black people, the more I will feel optimistic about it, but it’s too soon to say. The conversation does not go away. I really hope this time that this stays with people.”
Ngaio Anyia. Photo: Charley Williams
Read more: Taking the fight against racial injustice beyond the hashtag
Main photo: Sarah Koury/KoLAB Studios
Read more: 12 of the best quotes from Bristol24/7 interviewees in 2019
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