Bristol launches bold bid to become UK’s Capital of Civil Rights at pioneering summit next month

This November, the city where Britain’s civil rights movement was born will take the next historic step - launching a national campaign to make Bristol the UK’s Capital of Civil Rights.

Talks4Change: Pioneers of Progress, a landmark civic summit hosted at Bristol’s iconic Wills Memorial Building, will bring together more than 450 corporate, civic and community leaders for an evening of protest, progress and purpose.

Spearheaded by Curiosity Un(Ltd) in partnership with the University of Bristol, the event on Tuesday 11 November 2025 marks 60 years since the Race Relations Act 1965, pays tribute to civil rights icon Paul Stephenson and formally launches Bristol’s multi-year bid to become the UK’s Capital of Civil Rights. The event is supported by Bristol Business Improvement District (BID), which is committed to fostering an inclusive and socially responsible business community in Bristol.

Coming at a time when conversations around race, leadership and civic responsibility have never been more urgent, the summit positions Bristol as a national blueprint for progress.

The evening will feature a fireside keynote with Lord Paul Boateng, the UK’s first Black Cabinet Minister, in conversation with former Bristol Mayor Lord Marvin Rees, Europe’s first elected mayor of African heritage. The event will also include panels featuring pioneers of the Bristol Bus Boycott and next-generation leaders including Mervyn Weir (Author, I Can’t Breathe), Darren Miller (Founder, Black Business Initiative), Sado Jirde (CEO, Black South West Network), Marie-Annick Gournet (Pro Vice-Chancellor, Reparative & Civic Futures) and Mya-Rose Craig (Founder, Black2Nature).

The Talks4Change Summit is the latest milestone in the Bristol Bus Boycott 360 campaign - a nationally recognised initiative that has mobilised over 90 public and private sector partners, including Arts Council England, Bauer Media, Bristol City Council, YTL, WECA and the University of Bristol, to co-create a citywide blueprint for racial equity, civic leadership and legislative change.

“This moment calls for leadership with legacy in mind - collaboration that outlives campaigns and creates measurable, lasting change. We’re inviting the UK’s most visionary organisations to join us in shaping the next 100 years of civil rights - starting now,” said Julz Davis, Disruptor-in-Chief at Curiosity Un(Ltd).

The event will also serve as the official launch of Blueprint4Change - a new civic framework informed by over 1,200 local voices - and an open invitation for businesses to shape, fund and future-proof a more inclusive Bristol. The initiative will culminate in 2027, marking 100 years since the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., with his son, Dr. Martin Luther King III, expected to headline commemorations in the city.

Other Summit highlights include a moving We:Memberance procession honouring the Bristol Bus Boycott pioneers, soul-stirring performances by the Renewal Choir, co-founded by the son of Bristol’s first black bus driver, and spoken word from Bristol Poet Laureate Sukina Noor. The evening will also feature a powerful intergenerational panel uniting those who made history with those shaping the future, culminating in an inspirational keynote from some of the UK’s most influential political voices.

On the first anniversary of his passing,not only honours the legacy of Paul Stephenson but, in his honour, launches an ambitious campaign for Bristol to become the UK Capital of Civil Rights - with the support of Martin Luther King III.

“This summit embodies Bristol’s ongoing legacy of activism and innovation,” said Steve Bluff, Chief Operating Officer of Bristol BID.  “It’s not just about reflecting on the past - it’s about shaping the future of civic leadership. The conversations we start here have the power to influence how businesses, institutions and communities work together to build a fairer and more inclusive city. We believe the business community plays a vital role in driving that progress using our platforms, resources and networks to turn inspiration into action. Events like Talks4Change remind us that meaningful change starts with connection, collaboration and a shared commitment to equality.”

“This is an opportunity to co-author a bold new chapter in racial equity. We’re calling on corporate and civic partners to lead with us - not just sponsor,” continued Davis.

Opportunities range from Influencer Partners to Trailblazers, offering access to national media, MLK III meet-and-greets, advertorials and CPD-aligned programming. Interested organisations can contact Julz@CuriosityUnLtd.com or visit www.CuriosityUnLtd.com for more information.

Tickets are priced at £20 + booking fee, with concession and Pay It Forward options available - allowing corporates to cover the cost for community members to attend for free. The event is expected to sell out, with early interest already exceeding expectations.

The Talks4Change: Pioneers of Progress summit takes place on Tuesday 11 November 2025, from 6:00 to 9:00 PM (doors open at 5:30 PM), at the Wills Memorial Building in Bristol. To register attendance, visit the Eventbrite page: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/talks4change-pioneers-of-progress-tickets-1770878678799?aff=oddtdtcreator.