Honouring a phenomenal woman, carnival queen and activist

This International Women’s Day, our team wanted to honour a local SheHero - the exceptional and inspiring woman, our own carnival queen and activist Barbara Dettering.

Barbara Dettering was born in British Guyana in 1939. She moved to Bristol in 1961. She lived in Clifton on arrival, then moved to St Werburghs, then Bedminster and finally settling in Eastville. She also spent a lot of her time in St Pauls. In the city, Barbara worked as a Development Officer, covering both teaching and social skills. After several jobs, she become a Social Worker for 18 years. She has changed the lives of many people in the city. Barbara has also been an activist all her life and has fought for racial equality in Bristol and has helped many to overcome injustice. She has been a civil right pioneer and played an important role in the Bristol bus boycott campaign. Barbara has been active in the community since she arrived in the city. She was one of the founders of the St Pauls Carnival. She is a key member of Bristol West Indian Parents and Friend Association and The Malcolm X elders Forum.

“My memories of Bristol when I came in 1961 is one of fondness and love from the black community, they would greet you and call you cuz even though it was the first time they 've met you. The Carnival started out as a community fair and it was just that for a few years then it got bigger and bigger now it's known worldwide. I have always lived in Bristol and have very good memories of my community. Wouldn't live anywhere else.”

Barbara’s contribution in Bristol and society is definitely a big part of Bristol heritage and she has been celebrated through the Seven Saints of St Pauls project, a series of painted murals done by artist Michele Curtis. As many elders of her generation, Barbara, has a wealth of stories, some documented and some still untold, that form the fabric of our city. Barbara and some African Caribbean elders women from the community has started to share and celebrate their stories. They have set up Malcolm X Elders Theatre Company, which is affiliated to ACTA. Through their show “We have Overcome - a Windrush generation story” they tell their stories and the stories of their generation on their own term.

Christelle Pellecuer, BSWN's Cultural Heritage Manager says:

"Barbara is known as “Aunty Babs” in the community and she is a highly respected member of the community. Barbara is one of the kindest person that I ever met in the city and she is always welcoming and supportive. I am truly honoured to call her my Bristol “grandmother”. Barbara’s contribution to the community and the city has been tremendous and she is a role models for many generations. Thank you Barbara, for paving the way for us!"

Our team at BSWN wishes all the women we have had the privilege to work with and engage, and whose stories continue to inspires us daily, a wonderful day of celebration dedicated to them.