News / St Pauls
Rastafari Culture Centre crowdfunds to buy their own building
A crowdfunder has been launched to enable members of a Black cultural hub to buy the building that they have used for many years.
The money is being raised to hopefully enable the purchase of the Rastafari Culture Centre in St Paul’s and undertake essential repairs.
It comes after more than 5,000 people signed a petition to stop the council selling the building on Grosvenor Road and turning it into flats.
is needed now More than ever
Members of the Rastafari Culture Centre – which was also used as the base for the Justice For Marlon Thomas Campaign – need to urgently raise funds to complete the purchase and undertake repairs including replacing old storage heaters, removing and installing light fittings, and carpentry works.
“People from all walks of life come to the centre, university students, people struggling with poor mental health, to people who’ve just left prison,” says Ras Bandele Selassie.
“They all come here to calm down. It is the people’s safe space. It is the only Black space in the community that is open to everyone. People just come and be. It is a healing place.”
A fundraiser for the Rastafari Culture Centre is taking place outside St Paul’s Learning Centre on June 22 from 3pm to 8pm, featuring an open decks sound system, drumming, storytelling, Jamaican food and more.
To donate to the crowdfunder, visit www.gofundme.com/f/save-bristols-rastafari-culture-centre
Main photo: Martin Booth
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