By Gavin Mackintosh-
University of Bristol has decided to remove the dolphin emblem associated with slave trader Edward Colston from its logo.
This decision follows a year-long public consultation on the renaming of seven buildings linked to individuals connected with the slave trade or commodities associated with slavery.
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The infamous Colston, whose statue was toppled and thrown into Bristol Harbour in 2020, had strong ties to the Royal African Company in the 17th century.
The company, described by historian Professor William Pettigrew, transported enslaved African women, men, and children to the Americas more than any other single institution during the entire transatlantic slave trade.
While Colston’s statue had been erected in the late 19th century to celebrate his philanthropy, which included no contribution to the foundation of Bristol University, his personal dolphin emblem became part of the institution’s crest and logo in 2003.
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In a statement, the university clarified that it had not received funding from Colston, who died nearly two centuries before the university’s establishment.
The decision to remove the emblem reflects the institution’s commitment to addressing the darker aspects of its historical connections.
“We will remove the emblem from the logo,” the university declared, highlighting its dedication to disassociating from symbols linked to the slave trade.
Notably, the sun symbol of the Wills family and the horse emblem of the Frys will remain in the logo, representing families that provided substantial financial support to the university’s establishment.
These families, while associated with products such as tobacco, sugar, and cocoa connected to enslaved labor, did not engage in the ownership or trafficking of enslaved people.
The emblem removal is part of a broader initiative to acknowledge and rectify the university’s historical connections to the transatlantic slave trade.
Professor Evelyn Welch, the president of the university, expressed her apologies to those who have experienced racism at the institution during the consultation.
In an open letter, Professor Welch acknowledged the distressing stories shared during the process, stating, “What began as a consultation on our history and building renaming became a powerful platform to expose deep hurt and frustration with our slow progress and commitment to racial equity.”
In addition to the emblem removal, the University of Bristol announced a commitment to making its history more visible and pledged £10 million over the next decade to a program addressing racial injustice and inequalities internally and in the local communities it collaborates with.
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