Barbara Dettering Honored for Six Decades of Civil Rights Activism with Doctorate from University of Bristol

Barbara Dettering Honored for Six Decades of Civil Rights Activism with Doctorate from University of Bristol

(IN BRIEF) Barbara Dettering, a key figure in Bristol’s civil rights movement and co-founder of St Pauls Carnival, has been awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters degree by the University of Bristol. Her tireless work over six decades in fighting racial segregation, healthcare inequality, and housing discrimination has left a profound impact on the community. At 85, Dettering continues her activism, inspiring future generations with her dedication to justice and equality.

(PRESS RELEASE) BRISTOL, 19-Aug-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — Barbara Dettering, a pivotal figure in the fight for civil rights and community empowerment in Bristol, has been awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters degree by the University of Bristol. This recognition comes in celebration of her lifelong commitment to social justice, which has spanned over six decades and significantly impacted the landscape of civil rights in the UK.

Barbara Dettering’s journey from her early days in British Guiana (now Guyana) to becoming a key player in Bristol’s civil rights movement is nothing short of remarkable. Arriving in Bristol in 1961, she quickly became involved in the struggle against racial discrimination, co-founding the Bristol West-Indian Parents and Friends Association, which played a crucial role in the 1963 Bristol Bus Boycott. This boycott was a seminal moment in the fight against racial segregation in the UK, challenging discriminatory practices that barred Black and Asian people from employment.

A Legacy of Activism and Community Building

Beyond her involvement in the bus boycott, Barbara Dettering’s contributions to Bristol’s community are vast. In 1968, she co-founded the St Pauls Carnival, a cultural celebration that has grown from a small community event to a major annual festival attracting around 100,000 attendees. This carnival not only celebrates Caribbean culture but also serves as a powerful symbol of unity and resistance against racial segregation.

Dettering’s activism extended to healthcare and housing, where she established organizations to combat sickle cell anemia and address poor housing conditions for Black residents in Bristol. Her tireless work in these areas has left a lasting impact on the community, improving the lives of countless individuals.

At the age of 85, Barbara Dettering remains an active force for change. She continues to serve as a trustee of a care organization, the secretary of a group combating loneliness among the elderly, and a co-founder of a community theatre group. Her enduring dedication to social justice and community welfare exemplifies her lifelong commitment to making a difference.

A Moment of Recognition

Dr. Marie-Annick Gournet, the University of Bristol’s Associate Professor in Lifelong Learning and Inclusive Pedagogy, introduced Mrs. Dettering to the graduating students during the honorary degree ceremony. She praised Dettering as a “formidable force for change” and highlighted her unwavering commitment to equality and justice.

“Barbara’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and dedication,” said Dr. Gournet. “Her impact on civil rights and social justice in Bristol and beyond is immeasurable, and her story continues to inspire us all to strive for a more just and equitable society.”

Reflecting on her journey, Barbara Dettering offered words of wisdom to the younger generation: “You’ve got to be dedicated and do your research. Know what you’re doing, and just persevere. Reach for the stars!”

A Lasting Impact on Bristol

Barbara Dettering’s contributions to Bristol have not gone unnoticed. In 2019, she was honored as one of the ‘Seven Saints of St Pauls,’ a series of murals depicting key figures in Bristol’s civil rights movement. Her legacy is also enshrined in the continued success of the St Pauls Carnival and the many organizations she helped establish.

As she received her honorary doctorate, Barbara Dettering reiterated her love for the city that became her home: “Bristol has changed in many ways… I love Bristol, and I wouldn’t live anywhere else – it is my home.”

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SOURCE: University of Bristol