Steve Stephenson MBE
BA CQSW DM.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT LEGACY AWARD
Steve Stephenson MBE is the former Director of the Race Equality & Human Rights Service in Bristol. He is quite a remarkable individual, who is a pioneer in community development in the UK. Whilst most people excel in one area, Steve has been a social worker, youth and community worker, lecturer and sports and charity promoter. In addition, Steve has worked in local government for the past 40 years. He has supported the black community in Bristol Bedford, Luton, Birmingham, Northampton and Swindon as well as people in the Caribbean.
He is in the Black Who’s Who and The Voice Newspaper’s list of the 100 most influential black people in Britain.
He is the author of two books, the first with co-author Olive Robinson entitled, “Cold Arrival Life in a Second Homeland” in 1998 which tells of the experience of first generation (Windrush) Caribbean elders in Pre and Post War Britain. This was 26 years ago, long before term Windrush came into common usage. His second book, his autobiography Unbeaten Innings published by Hansib in 2021.
In Steve’s book “Unbeaten Innings” the following comments were made.
Lord Herman Ouseley Tribute
Lord Herman Ouseley former colleague of Steve in the Race equality field paid the following tribute,
Steve has been involved professionally in community development, local government administration and policy development and social and community activism over several decades. His wealth of considerable relevant experience qualifies him to write expertly on these matters. He has earned his credibility and respect from unstinting, selfless and dedicated work.
Of most significance in recent time, is the role adopted by Steve in providing support to others in leadership positions, using his wealth of experience to provide expert advice on decision-making matters, guiding victims of discrimination to secure just outcomes and being a role model for many vulnerable young people in deprived communities.
Luton
In 1980 Steve helped bring the Black, Asian and White community together after the uprisings in Luton. He re-opened the Starlight Youth Club with money from his own pocket.
He pioneered Community Football and Cricket as well as other activities with the Bedfordshire Police, after the Riots in 1981 to bring back peace.
He was also a Co-founder of the Luton Caribbean Carnival with Harry Bruce and a Cultural Adviser for BBC Radio Bedfordshire.
A member of the Ex-Factor group Voices with Soul started her group with brothers at the Starlight Y C. Venol John who used to dance with Kylie Minogue was also supported by Steve.
He has lectured widely on Equality issues and has been involved in teaching Black History since 1976, at the Starlight YC, long before BHM started in 1987.
Human Rights
One of his main achievements in relation to Human Rights; Steve was directly involved in the freeing of David Anthony Grant who was held at Her Majesty Pleasure” in Jamaica, for his involvement in a murder. He was only 14 at the time and in charge with 3 adults. He spent 18 years in prison.
The evidence showed it was a miscarriage of justice. Steve team up with Lawyer Rudy Narayan who used his influence, to get PJ Patterson Prime Minister of Jamaica to free David in 1988.
Football
He made two major contributions to Racism in Football in 1998.He gave evidence to David Mellor’s task force on Racism in football at the House of Commons.
He also put on the groundbreaking Tribute to the Pioneers of Black British Football event in 1998 with Cyrille Regis and Brendon Battson despite the lack of support from the mainstream media.
Cricket
Steve has raised thousands of pounds for various charitable causes, by working with Chris Gayle, Courtney Walsh, Sir Vivian Richards Gordon Greenidge West Indies cricket team. England cricketers. Devon Malcolm, Syd Lawrence He also had support from Black footballers like John Barnes, Cyril Regis, Paul Elliott and Mark Walters other Celebrities such as actor Rudolph Walker from EastEnders to name a few.