THE MOMENTUM behind the petition to replace the controversial statue of 17^th century Bristolian slave trader Edward Colston and the city mayor’s “measured response” to the pulling down of the statue have been applauded by the director of an influential city agency.

The toppling of the Colston statue and its disposure in Bristol Harbour by a crowd of mainly non-black protestors a month ago has quickly become synonymous with the Black Lives Matter movement, which was reignited by the murder of George Floyd in the US.

Bristolians had long campaigned for the relocation of the statue to a museum with his activities placed in correct context but without success. Colston made a fortune between 1672 and 1689, ships were believed to have transported about 80,000 men, women and children from Africa to the Americas. His name and likeness have adorned many buildings and monuments across the city.

I love the city for its creativity, positive outlook and for how it does things its own way, rightly or wrongly.

Ben Lowndes, director at Social communications agency

“I’m not from Bristol but have grown to love it over the decade I’ve worked here,” said Ben Lowndes, director at Social, a communications agency that is dedicated to making a positive difference to local communities and carries out discounted work for a number of charities.

“I love the city for its creativity, positive outlook and for how it does things its own way, rightly or wrongly. Bristol’s idiosyncratic streak is part of what makes it such a special place, for all its foibles.

“Its failure to adequately address questions over its history with regards to figures like Edward Colston sit uneasily with its image as a diverse, multicultural city.

Direct action

“This uneasiness collided with direct action when Colston’s statue was toppled from its plinth and dumped in the Floating Harbour, where it’s remained until it was retrieved five days later.

“I know from my work for the government and with other organisations in the city that reflecting Bristol’s past in the ‘here and now’ has been discussed over many years. After all that talking, Bristol has demonstrated that actions will speak louder than words.

“Having paved the way for the UK’s first Race Relations Act in 1965, it’s no surprise that an online petition is gathering momentum for a statue of civil rights activist Paul Stephenson to replace Colston. There will be other figures who define the city’s rebellious streak who will also be fine contenders.

Discussions

“These are important discussions to have. But they should be part of a wider, longer-term and more fulsome conversation about how Bristol sees itself and what sort of city it wants to be.

“Properly understanding the past is a key part of that. Understanding communities today and enabling them to participate in discussions that shape their futures is equally important, in my view.

“The way the city leaders responded to the pulling down of the statue – with empathy and understanding – stood in stark contrast to those of national politicians who were quick to criticise protesters’ ‘thuggery’. A police investigation is happening but those who understand the city know that this issue can’t be addressed by a quick soundbite.

“Listening to (Bristol Mayor) Marvin Rees’ measured response across the media, and (Bristol Police) Superintendent Andy Bennett explain his orders to officers to refrain from guarding the statue during the protest, was testament to this approach in action.

Protestors

“Whatever one’s view on whether protesters were right to remove the statue, we can but hope that this signals an opportunity to move forward positively as a city.  

“When the hashtags subside, that hard work continues.

“Now the protests have ended, and the focus on Covid recovery remains front and centre for city leaders and everyone else, the key issues facing Bristol remain the same as they were before lockdown.

“Affordable housing, sustainable, reliable transport and access to decent career opportunities remain out-of-reach for too many people. Climate change, health and wellbeing surround all of those issues.

Conversation

“Involving communities in a conversation about how to respond to these issues remains a challenge. But having those discussions – about how we live, work, travel and buy things – and then acting on them will bring better outcomes in the long-run. I’m hopeful that we’re moving in the right direction, even if the journey won’t be in a straight line.

“The future is hard to predict, but the events of the weekend’ of June 6 -7, prove that while it’s good to talk, organisations that back up their words with action will be judged more favourably than those who speak and do nothing.

“Now is the time for those organisations to make their voices heard.”