He's not a household name but he was an important civil rights activist in 1960s Britain. Stories like the Bristol Bus Boycott are reminders of the depth of racism that existed in this country 60 years ago (in my lifetime) across all society from the aristocracy to the working class.
A 'colour bar', operated by the Bristol Omnibus Company, barred black employees from being bus crew and forced them into roles as cleaners and canteen staff. What might seem hard to believe now is that the colour bar was supported by the unions, with the TGWU reported as saying that "...if one black man steps on the platform as a conductor, every wheel will stop...”
Bristol bus boycott organiser Roy Hackett dies aged 93Civil rights campaigner Roy Hackett, described as a "humble freedom fighter", has died at the age of 93.
Mr Hackett was one of the organisers of the Bristol Bus Boycott, a successful campaign to overturn a ban by Bristol Omnibus Company on employing black and Asian drivers and conductors.
He once said: "I lived in many places before I came to Bristol, and I never had racism as tough as back then."
Born in Jamaica, he was appointed an MBE in 2009 and an OBE in 2020.
Mr Hackett, who was the co-founder of the Commonwealth Coordinated Committee which set up the St Paul's Carnival in 1968, leaves behind three children.
LaToyah McAllister-Jones, executive director of the St Paul's Carnival, said: "Rest In Power, Mr Roy Hackett.
"You have inspired so many, your service and dedication to your community lives on through us all."
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-62397167More detail about the Bristol Bus Boycott here:
https://www.blackhistorymonth.org.uk/article/section/civil-rights-movement/the-bristol-bus-boycott-of-1963/
