From Legacy to Future: BSWN's AGM and 25th Anniversary

Overview

Join Black South West Network (BSWN) as we mark our 25th anniversary alongside the 60th anniversary of the UK’s first Race Relations Act. Hosted at the Bristol Beacon, this year’s AGM brings together community leaders, policymakers, funders, and academics to reflect on the unfinished business of racial justice.

Featuring keynote speakers, artistic contributions, and two panels (including From 1965 to 2025: Race Relations in an Age of Global Unravelling) the event will explore how racism has evolved, how communities are leading change, and what systemic transformation is needed for the next 60 years.

About this event

This year’s AGM marks 25 years of Black South West Network (BSWN) and 60 years since the UK’s first Race Relations Act. The event will explore how racism has evolved over six decades and what racial justice requires today. Attendees can expect an inspiring keynote address, a powerful spoken word performance, and two dynamic panels, one reflecting on the legacy of the Race Relations Act, and another showcasing BSWN’s impact and partnerships.

Join us for lunch, conversation, and connection as we reflect, share ideas, and imagine how we move from reform to lasting systemic change.

Who is this event for?

Community leaders, activists, and organisers working on racial and social justice

Policymakers, civic leaders, and public sector professionals

Funders, grantmakers, and partners supporting equity and inclusion work

Academics, researchers, and students focused on race, inequality, and systems change

Anyone committed to building a fairer, more just and inclusive society

What will be covered?

• The legacy and limits of the 1965 Race Relations Act
• How racism has evolved and embedded itself within systems and institutions
• The intersection between local racial justice work and global inequality
• Building solidarity that translates into practical, systemic change
• BSWN’s 25-year impact and vision for the next generation of racial justice work

Who will we hear from?

• Sado Jirde, Director of BSWN
• Monira Chowdury, Public and Patient Involvement & Engagement Repersentative at BNSSG
• Julian Davis, Disruptor in Chief, CuriosityUnLtd
• Dr Muneeb Hafiz, Deputy Director, Race Equality Unit
• Ian Noah, Race Equality North Somerset
• Rob Mitchell, Facilitator
• Louise Ndibwirende, Creative Producer and Filmmaker

What else do I need to know?

• The event will last 60–75 minutes with time for Q&A.
• The AGM will also celebrate BSWN’s 25th anniversary.
• Lunch will be provided.

Notice of Consent

By registering for a ticket, you opt in to the BSWN newsletter, WhatsApp Group, and give permission to be recorded via video and photographic content, and contacted regarding our future programme of events, programmes, and opportunities. If you would like to be removed from this mailing list, please email us on blackswnetwork@gmail.com.