I think its a fundamental change and a very important decision. Trustees say its time to end the Toxic Association with slavery. If ive got members of staff who are uncomfortable coming in the building, if there are people, bristolians, and people from further afield who feel that this place isnt for them because of perceived associations, then thats something i cant be doing with. Like other ports around the uk, this city is still struggling to come to terms with the role that it played in the brutality of the slave trade. A period which brought wealth and influence, but which also caused lasting shame. So for some, todays announcement was a pointless attempt to air brush history. For others, its a moral victory. Id look at that and think a disgusting man. He could have been involved in the transportation of my ancestors to a life of hardship. I think its far too pc. I think its ludicrous. I mean, its at colston hall for donkeys years. Thats the brand and thats what we should stick wi
I think its a fundamental change and a very important decision. Trustees say its time to end the Toxic Association with slavery. If ive got members of staff who are uncomfortable coming in the building, if there are people, bristolians, and people from further afield who feel that this place isnt for them because of perceived associations, then thats something i cant be doing with. Like other ports around the uk, this city is still struggling to come to terms with the role that it played in the brutality of the slave trade. A period which brought wealth and influence, but which also caused lasting shame. So for some, todays announcement was a pointless attempt to air brush history. For others, its a moral victory. Id look at that and think a disgusting man. He could have been involved in the transportation of my ancestors to a life of hardship. I think its far too pc. I think its ludicrous. I mean, its at colston hall for donkeys years. Thats the brand and thats what we should stick wi
it wasjune 7, 2020, during a black lives matter protest, the statue of slave trader edward colston tied up and toppled. crowd shouts the 125 year old bronze was sprayed with graffiti and rolled into the water of the harbour nearby. cheering this has been a case like no other in terms of that complete polarisation of public opinion. edward colston made his fortune in the transatlantic slave trade. across the city, buildings, pubs, streets and schools carried his name. the protest made headlines worldwide. many venues began dropping the colston name. conversations began about statues and monuments elsewhere. it s not about the statue, it s really about the story that we tell of ourselves, the heroes that we lionise and those that we now wish
edward colston made his fortune in the transatlantic slave trade. across the city, buildings, pubs, streets and schools carried his name. the protest made headlines worldwide. many venues began dropping the colston name. conversations began about statues and monuments elsewhere. it s not about the statue, it s really about the story that we tell of ourselves, the heroes that we lionise and those that we now wish to perhaps move away from. the defence said the toppling of the statue was justified because of edward colston s past. the defendants never disputed their actions, they accepted what they had done, but they said that they had a lawful excuse for their actions, and that goes again to the offensive nature of the statue. 18 months on, the plinth where the statue stood is still empty. the colston four always wanted