News / Barbara Dettering
St Paul’s Carnival co-founder given honorary degree
Barbara Dettering had played pivotal role during the Bristol Bus Boycott that paved the way for the monumental Race Relations Act 1965. The breadth of her contribution has been recognised in a recent honour bestowed by an institute whose students and staff marched alongside the leaders of the bus boycott in 1963.
During this year’s graduations at the University of Bristol, Barbara Dettering was awarded an honorary doctorate for her services to the “civil rights movement and community development”.
Over six decades, and alongside her contributions as a social worker, Dettering has fought racial segregation, health inequality and housing discrimination.
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After emigrating to Bristol from British Guiana back in 1961, she co-founded the Bristol West-Indian Parents and Friends Association, which played a crucial role in mobilising the Bus Boycott in 1963.
Dr Gournet (right) described Dettering as a “formidable force for change” and said that her “commitment to social justice and equality has been unwavering for over six decades – photo: University of Bristol
She remembers marching for change amid the constant threat of violence, at a time when racist discrimination was rife and common place.
“I’m nosy,” and “I just like helping people,” sad Dettering when asked of the reasons behind joining forces with the movement.
Asked whether racial discrimination had improved, she said: “The discrimination is still there. Things are a little better, but there is still a long way to go.”
In 1968, Barbara Dettering co-founded St Pauls Carnival with several other community leaders.
“Back in the West Indies every bank holiday there was some kind of fair or celebration. [In the UK] there was segregation at the time and we thought we’d do something for ourselves,” she said.
What started as a community fair in a school car park has developed into a major cultural event that attracts some 100,000 people.
Dettering went on to build organisations that fought sickle cell anaemia and tackled poor housing conditions for Black people in Bristol.
Aged 85, Dettering’s work continues. She is a trustee of a care organisation, the secretary of a group battling loneliness in the elderly and co-founder of a community theatre group.
In 2019, Barbara was celebrated as one of the ‘Seven Saints of St Pauls’, a series of murals painted by Michele Curtis.
“Bristol has changed in many ways,” Dettering said.
“I love Bristol and I wouldn’t live anywhere else – it is my home,” she said.
And her advice for young people wanting to effect change today?
“You’ve got to be dedicated and do your research, you’ve got to know what you’re doing and just persevere and continue and continue. Reach for the stars!” she said.
Barbara Dettering had played a pivotal role during the Bristol Bus Boycott and the wider civil rights movement – photo: University of Bristol
Dettering was introduced to the graduating students by Dr Marie-Annick Gournet, the University’s associate professor in Lifelong Learning and Inclusive Pedagogy.
Dr Gournet described Dettering as a “formidable force for change” and said that her “commitment to social justice and equality has been unwavering for over six decades, and her efforts have helped shape the landscape of civil rights in Bristol and beyond”.
She added: “As we reflect on Barbara’s extraordinary journey, let us draw inspiration from her unwavering commitment to justice and her relentless pursuit of equality.
“Her story reminds us that each of us has the power to make a difference and that through unity and perseverance, we can overcome the challenges that lie before us.”
Main photo: University of Bristol
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