Edward Colston was Deputy Governor of Royal African Company (RAC) - the dominant slaving organisation in the British Empire. Between 1672 and 1698, the RAC transported around 100,000 enslaved Africans to plantations in the West Indies and America.
This included women and children as young as six – each enslaved person was branded with the company’s initials on their chest. More than 20,000 enslaved Africans were killed during the crossings. Their bodies were thrown overboard. Colston, RAC and Merchant Venturers became millionaires from this so-called 'business'.
However, Bristol is full of resistance. Since 1920, Bristolians have rallied, boycotted and demanded that Bristol's institutions stop honouring Colston through statues, buildings and ceremonies. The Hall is 150 years old this year - now is the time. Use the 150th year celebrations to finally rename the Hall.
Massive Attack boycott the Hall, as do other musicians and artists but the Hall's management continues to turn a blind eye to calls for progress. People of colour have been ignored and excluded even though they make up 16% of Bristol's population.
We demand that our institutions reflect our communities and become accessible to all Bristolians. Enough is enough.
We are proud of our city - Bristol is a modern, inclusive, multicultural place. We want to be proud of our main music venue.
Share your thoughts on social media using #CounteringColston and Like us on Facebook -
https://www.facebook.com/CounteringColston/
Sign and share this petition and partake in the Colston Hall Consultation (until 24th Feb). More info on our website:
https://counteringcolston.wordpress.com/colston-hall/
