Roy Hackett, a “humble freedom fighter” and advocate for civil rights, died at the age of 93.
Mr. Hackett was one of the organizers of the Bristol Bus Boycott, a successful effort to reverse Bristol Omnibus Company’s restriction on hiring black and Asian bus drivers and conductors.
He once remarked, “Before I moved to Bristol, I had lived in various cities, but racism had never been as severe as it was back then.”
Born in Jamaica, he received the Order of the British Empire in 2009 and the Order of the Most Excellent Order in 2020.
Mr. Hackett, the co-founder of the Commonwealth Coordinated Committee that established the St. Paul’s Carnival in 1968, is survived by three children.
Asher Craig, deputy mayor of Bristol, stated: “Mr. Hackett’s departure has touched many of us hard.
His legacy will continue through the Bristol Bus Boycott, St. Paul’s Carnival, Bristol West Indian Parents & Friends Association, and Bristol Race Equality Council.
Aisha Thomas, a teacher, and the author is among the numerous Bristol residents who have offered their condolences.
In 1963, it was perfectly lawful for British firms to discriminate based on the color of a person’s skin.
In that year, Mr. Hackett joined forces with activists Paul Stephenson, Owen Henry, and Guy Bailey to initiate the boycott.
Mr. Bailey applied for a position with the bus company but was denied due to his race.
The corporation changed its policy in response to the subsequent protests, which helped pave the way for the Race Relations Acts of 1965 and 1968.
Paula O’Rourke, the Lord Mayor of Bristol, also paid tribute, stating: “Roy Hackett, organizer of the Bristol bus boycott in 1963 and originator of the St. Pauls Carnival, was a Bristol civil rights legend. During this sad moment, I am thinking of Roy’s family and friends.”
Former Bristol mayor George Ferguson also contacted out via Twitter.
Mr. Hackett stated, “It [Bristol] was difficult for us to find a place to live, and it was difficult for a black guy to find a job.”
“I walked along Ashley Road in search of homes and discovered everything from a house without a sign to one that stated “no gypsies, no dogs, no Irish, and no blacks.”
“The woman opened the door, saw me, and slammed the door shut without saying a word. People were openly racist, and it was a fight.”
