Edward Colston, an English merchant, philanthropist, and slave trader, is undeniably one such figure. Born in 1636 in Bristol, Colston’s name is synonymous with philanthropy in some circles and with the horrors of the transatlantic slave trade in others. His story is emblematic of the intricate tapestry of British involvement in the slave trade during the 17th and 18th centuries.
Colston’s ascent to wealth and prominence was closely intertwined with its involvement in the trans-Atlantic slave trade. As a member of the Royal African Company, he played a significant role in the trafficking of enslaved Africans to the Americas, where they were forced into labor on plantations. Bristol, a major port city, served as a hub for the transatlantic slave trade, and Colston capitalized on its economic opportunities. His legacy is not solely defined by his involvement in the slave trade. Colston also left a lasting impact on Bristol through his philanthropic endeavors.
The complexity of Colston’s legacy came to the forefront in June 2020, when protests erupted worldwide following the death of George Floyd, reigniting discussions about systemic racism and historical injustice. In Bristol, protesters targeted Colston’s statue, which stood prominently in the city center. On June 7, 2020, demonstrators toppled the statue and tossed it into the harbor, sparking a debate about the commemoration of individuals with ties to the slave trade. The decision to remove the statue followed protests and public outcry over Colston’s involvement in the slave trade. The statue was taken down to address the discomfort and offense it caused to many members of the community.
In response to the statue’s removal, Bristol City Council decided to retrieve it from the harbor and place it in a museum. Edward Colston was later replaced secretly by a sculpture of black lives matter protester Jen Reid who was photographed standing on the plinth with her fist raised after the 17th -century merchant was toppled by black lives matter demonstrators directed by artist Marc Quinn.
Marvin Rees, the city mayor issued a statement saying that “The future of the plinth and what is installed on it must be decided by the people of Bristol”. He said the sculpture was “the work of a London-based artist “, ,it was not requested and permission was not given for it to be installed, but he said the council would act to remove it .
It came as a complete surprise to the authorities ,who are yet to announce their plan for the location. A cardboard reading “Black lives still matter” was placed at the bottom of the plinth.
LIFE WE ENCOUNTER 