Bristol Legacy Foundation Launch
More details: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bristol-legacy-foundation-launch-tickets-846947983217?aff=oddtdtcreator
About this event
We are excited to announce the launch of the Bristol Legacy Foundation!
For decades, Bristol ignored its role in the Transatlantic Trafficking of Enslaved Africans (TTEA) and rejected the necessity of a commemorative programme to confront this history. However, over the past decade, a broad coalition of interests has reversed this stance, positioning Bristol to take a leading role nationally and internationally in addressing these crucial issues.
The Bristol Legacy Foundation (BLF) has backed the formation of an “Atonement and Reparations plan” proposed by the Afrikan Heritage Community and facilitated research and educational initiatives through Project T.R.U.T.H (Telling, Restoring (AND) Understanding (OUR) Tapestry & History). Transitioning coordination from Bristol City Council to the Black South West Network (BSWN) in late 2022, BLF aims to develop a unified campaign for commemoration and reparation, chaired by Deputy Mayor Councillor Asher Craig. The BLF, comprising the Legacy Group and Partnership Group, including key stakeholders like (University of Bristol, Society of the Merchant Venturers, Bristol City Council, the Mayor’s Office, Bristol Museums, Church of England) aims to coordinate responses to reparatory justice.
In December 2023, the BLF appointed a Public Art Commissioner, Bolanle Tajudeen, to oversee the curation of a memorial to the TTEA in Bristol City Centre.
Running Order
10:30 am – Welcome and Provocation
10:35 am – Address by Mayor and Deputy Mayor
10:50 am – Address by David Olusoga
11:00 am – Presentation by Reparatory Justice Task Group Chair (Jendayi Serwah)
11:10 am – Presentation by Partnerships, Investments and Resources Task Group Chair (Marti Burgess)
11:20 am – Public Art Strategy Presentation by Memorialisation Task Group Co-Chairs and Public Art Commissioner (Ruth Pitter , Cleo Lake and Bolanle Tajudeen )
11:30 am – Short break
11:40 am – Panel discussion featuring Bolanle Tajudeen, Professor Olivette Otele and Professor Paul Goodwin and Sharmaine Lovegrove
12:30 pm – Closing remarks
12:45 pm – Lunch and networking
1:00 pm – Close
Who is this event for?
This event is for the city, as Bristol requires a coordinated approach to addressing the legacy of Transatlantic Trafficking of Enslaved Africans. Members of Bristol’s African Heritage Communities interested in reparatory justice within the city are encouraged to attend.
Who will we hear from?
Attendees will hear from the BLF Chair and Task Group Chairs. Our panel featuring Bolanle Tajudeen, Professor Paul Goodwin and Professor Olivette Otele will be faciltated by Rob Mitchell. There will be an address by David Olusoga.