Unlike Generation Z, those in power in the corporate side of the industry and labels aren't as welcoming of Black talents and music, with 63% of Black musicians facing racism and barriers because of their background despite increased representation for these Black artists. This has led to a lot of newer upcoming Black artists taking the independent route, learning from the mistakes of their predecessors which allow them to be successful without the exploitative and restraining challenges that arise from record deals.

BSWN recognises the undoubtable imprint that slavery has left on Bristol and on its people. Imperial logic continues to permeate infrastructures, discourse, and city-wide decision-making, as exemplified by the toppling of Colston’s statue.

Written by Angelique Retief our Research & Policy Officer

Mr De Klerk, who shared the 1993 Nobel Peace Prize with Nelson Mandela after helping to negotiate an end to apartheid died on Thursday and his foundation has released a video of the late ex-president of South Africa yesterday apologising for the crimes committed against people of colour in South Africa.

Our Director Sado Jirde attended the Mayor’s State of the City Panel Discussion, ‘How Do We Build an Open, Tolerant and Inclusive City?’ Our Director commented that, “It was an honour to join the Mayor’s State of the City Panel Discussion on Wednesday with Ian Goldin, Musa Okwonga, Liz Zeidler and Mayor Marvin Rees to discuss How Do We Build an Open, Tolerant and Inclusive City.”

The pandemic is a constant reminder of how important literacy is for individual people and our communities. Aside from the economic aspects of literacy, the ability for an individual to communicate and understand information is empowering and gives them a sense of independence, opens doors to improve their lives by increasing their abilities.

Written by Morayo Omogbenigun, Research Assistant for RACE and BSWN placement student.

Women’s Equality Day is an American holiday on the 26th of August celebrating the 19th Amendment, which gave women in the USA voting rights in 1920. While this was seen as a hallmark achievement in first wave feminism, women of colour have historically been left out of mainstream feminism. At the time, African American women wanted the vote in order to empower their communities by voting people of colour into office while white women sought out the vote in order to be on par with their husbands.

The people of Afghanistan are now facing more fear and devastation after decades of violence and we at BSWN heartbroken that as a country we aren’t doing more to help. The U.K. Defence Secretary Ben Wallace has said that the U.K. will waive border rules to allow Afghan asylum seekers to enter the U.K. without a passport. While this is to be welcomed, resettling 5,000 people this year is not enough.

Written by Tobi Odanye, Research Assistant for RACE and BSWN placement student

The 22nd of August 2021 marks the second anniversary of the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts or Violence Based on Religion or Belief.

The international recognition of this day, founded by the United Nations, represents an effort to raise awareness for what in the modern world should be respected as fundamental human rights. Indeed, as per Article 9 of the Equality Human Rights Act, “Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes the freedom to change religion or belief and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private”.

There are over 476 million indigenous peoples living in 90 countries across the world, accounting for 6.2 per cent of the global population. Although numerous indigenous peoples worldwide are self-governing and some have been successful in establishing autonomy in varying forms, many indigenous peoples still come under the ultimate authority of central governments who exercise control over their lands, territories and resources.

Food poverty affecting Black and Minoritised communities in Bristol precedes COVID-19, but has worsened because of it. COVID19’s devastation exposes long-standing inequalities which Black and Minoritised communities experience daily. Black and Minoritised communities live in overcrowded social housing/private rented sector, experience higher levels of unemployment, low pay, educational and health inequalities.