Comment / Bristol
Campaign group celebrates Colston Hall rename
A campaign group founded to end the public celebration of Edward Colston has welcomed the news that the Colston Hall will change its name before reopening in 2020.
“Today we turn a corner in Bristol and history is made,” said Cleo Lake, Green Party councillor and member of Countering Colston.
The campaign group’s methods have included protests and petitions, but they drew criticism for demonstrating outside Colston’s Girls’ School on Cheltenham Road as pupils made their way to an annual service of remembrance for Colston in Bristol Cathedral.
is needed now More than ever
Both Lake and fellow Countering Colston member Katie Finnegan-Clarke are former pupils of Colston’s Girls’ School.
Finnegan-Clarke has written to her alma mater requesting a name change. She said: “This is a huge win for our small, dedicated team of campaigners, but it’s only just the beginning.
“We will continue to target all buildings, statues, schools and public houses that continue to celebrate one of Britain’s most notorious slave traders by keeping him as their namesake.
“We will continue to fight for justice and respect for people of colour in our city.”
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Read more: Colston Hall to reopen with new name in 2020
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