It's is with sadness that I announce the passing of Miss Carmen Beckford M.B.E aged 87 http://www.iconicblackbristolians.uk/
--
Carnival founder Carmen Beckford dies
Louis Emanuel , May 20, 2016
One of the founding organisers of St Paul’s Carnival who went on to become a figurehead for race relations in Bristol has died, aged 87.
Carmen Beckford MBE, a retired nurse who arrived in the UK from Jamaica at the age of 17, passed away in her adopted home of Bristol on Wednesday after a long illness.
Her legacy is set to be immortalised in a giant mural as one of “seven saints of St Paul’s” due to be painted onto streets this summer.
Paying tribute on Wednesday, Peter Courtier, former director of Bristol Racial Equality Council, said Beckford "courageously fought against racial discrimination and inequality" in a city which "owes her so much".
Born in St Thomas, Jamaica, in 1928, Beckford left for the UK to train as a nurse at Ashford Hospital in Kent. She moved to Bristol in 1965 to work as a midwife in Downend and soon become active in the local community.
Carmen Beckford pictured right alongside artist Michelle Curtis with the illustration which will form the base of a mural in St Paul's. Pictured left on her 87th birthday
She was instrumental in setting up St Paul’s Carnival - known as St Paul’s Festival at the start - in 1967 with the help of St Paul’s and Environs Consultative Committee and the West Indian Development Association, aided by the vicar of St Agnes Church.
Beckford, a lover of music and dance, was put in charge of entertainment at the carnival which grew to host more than 100,000 people.
Her work with the community didn't go unnoticed and she was encouraged by the Jamaican High Commissioner to apply for the role of Bristol first community development officer at Bristol City Council, a role held between 1978-86 which included working to improve race relations in the city.
Throughout her life she also sat on the Commonwealth Coordinated Committee alongside bus boycott campaigner Paul Stephenson and established the West Indian Dance Team in Bristol.
The club went on to perform at Colston Hall and traveled as far as Germany. Beckford said of the team later: “When you have self-respect and pride no one can mess with you. I was involved in all of their lives, I would tell my girls when you are walking on the street keep your head high and no loud talking as you are members of The West Indian Dance Team.”
Her work in the community was officially recognized by the queen in 1982 when Beckford was awarded an MBE, becoming the first black recipient in the South West.
Carmen Beckford was instrumental in setting up St Paul's Carnival in 1967
Later, when asked about her contribution to Bristol as one of the city’s most important black leaders, she said: “I never paid much attention to what other people felt was right or wrong, or whether people felt that I should be doing this or that.
“I just followed what was in here (her heart), as that is the only voice that matters and trust that he (God) is guiding me to do the right thing.”
Asher Craig, councillor for St George West and close friend of Beckford’s told Bristol24/7: “She was a beautiful woman and had a heart of gold. She was extremely stylish and was an amazing networker who had all the skills and expertise of a socialite, which she capitalised on in her role as the entertainments officer on the board of St Paul’s Carnival.
“The legacy of Carmen Beckford's contribution towards helping to create a more equal and integrated city must never be forgotten and I will ensure that it lives on."
Peter Courtier, former director of Bristol Racial Equality Council added: “Black women pioneers had it hard in the Black rights struggles of the 60s, 70s and 80s. She courageuosly fought against racial discrimination and inequality. I and Bristol owe her so much. RIP Carmen.''
Carmen Etheline Marjorie Beckford, who lived in Filton, was born on December 21, 1928, and died on May 18, 2016 at Westbury Care Home. She was the eldest of seven children and leaves behind her brother Derek Beckford, sister Loris Mair and many nieces and nephews.
Read more: Funding for St Paul's Carnival withdrawn
No comments:
Post a Comment