Black and White on the Buses

"Black and White on the Buses: The 1963 Colour Bar Dispute in Bristol" by Madge Dresser is a historical account of a significant civil rights movement in Bristol, England, in 1963. Here is a comprehensive overview of the book:

Key Themes

1. Racial Discrimination: The book explores the discriminatory practices of the Bristol Omnibus Company, which barred Black and Asian people from working as drivers and conductors.
2. Civil Rights Movement: It highlights the role of the civil rights movement in challenging these discriminatory policies, inspired by international events like the Montgomery bus boycott and Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech.
3. Community Action: The book details how local communities, including the West Indian Development Council, students, and other activists, came together to organize a boycott and demonstrations to pressure the company and the Transport & General Workers Union (TGWU) to end the colour bar.
4. Union Politics: It examines the complex relationship between the TGWU and the boycott, including the union's initial resistance and eventual support for ending the colour bar.
5. Social Justice: The book underscores the broader social justice implications of the dispute, including the role of prominent supporters like Labour MPs Tony Benn and Fenner Brockway, and former Trinidadian cricketer Learie Constantine.

Plot Summary

The book chronicles the events leading up to and including the 1963 boycott of the Bristol Omnibus Company. It begins by detailing the discriminatory hiring practices of the company, which only employed white drivers and conductors. The colour bar was a significant barrier to employment for Black and Asian people in Bristol.

Inspired by international civil rights movements, particularly the Montgomery bus boycott and Martin Luther King Jr.'s speeches, local activists, including those from the West Indian Development Council, organized a boycott of the buses. The boycott was supplemented by demonstrations and sit-ins outside the bus station.

The movement gained national attention and support. Despite initial resistance from company managers and some union representatives, the boycott pressure eventually led to a change in policy. On August 28, 1963, Ian Patey announced that the Bristol Omnibus Company would end its discriminatory hiring practices, stating that there would be complete integration without regard to race, colour, or creed. Within two weeks, Raghbir Singh, an Indian-born Sikh, became the first non-white bus conductor employed in Bristol.

Critical Reception

While specific reviews of the book are not provided in the search results, the context and themes discussed suggest that "Black and White on the Buses" is a significant historical account that has contributed to understanding the civil rights movement in Britain. The book's detailed exploration of community action, union politics, and social justice themes likely makes it a valuable resource for historians and those interested in the history of racial discrimination and civil rights.

Madge Dresser's work has been recognized for its contribution to understanding this pivotal moment in British history, as evidenced by its inclusion in academic resources and historical discussions.