Yesterday evening, we had the honour of hosting the 9th annual Paul Stephenson Lecture at our offices in Bristol. As the firm’s Senior Partner, I felt a profound sense of pride and humility as I stood before a gathering of distinguished guests, colleagues, and community members to welcome everyone to Burges Salmon.

The lecture, named after the iconic civil rights leader Paul Stephenson, serves as a poignant reminder of the strides made toward equality and justice. Paul Stephenson's activism, particularly his leadership of the Bristol Bus Boycott in 1963, has left an indelible mark on our city and nation. His peaceful and determined efforts, fuelled by a vision of freedom and equality, led to the eventual desegregation of the Bristol Omnibus Company and laid the groundwork for the Race Relations Act of 1965 — the UK's first piece of legislation to address racial discrimination.

Our firm is immensely proud to have played a role in commemorating such an important chapter in our history.

Our key speaker at the event was The Mayor of Bristol, Marvin Rees who, in his final event and address before he steps down as Bristol’s Mayor on 5 May 2024, honoured the pioneers of the Bristol Bus Boycott. It was an historic moment for Bristol as we celebrated the 9th Paul Stephenson Lecture right here in our city for the first time.

The evening also served to recognise the extraordinary contributions of Guy Reid-Bailey OBE and Barbara Dettering, both of whom were bestowed with Lifetime Achievement Awards. Their tireless work and dedication to the cause of civil rights continue to inspire and impact our community profoundly.

As we reflect on the legacy of Paul Stephenson and the many who stood with him, we are reminded of the power of collective action and the importance of standing up against injustice. Our purpose as a firm is centered around being committed to championing the values that Paul Stephenson represents, and we are humbled to contribute to an enduring legacy that benefits not just Bristol but the entire UK.

To everyone who joined us for the Paul Stephenson Lecture, thank you for being a part of this vital conversation and for helping us honour a true hero of civil rights.