Creating homes for Black Elders in Bristol

In 2023, I had the honour to meet Guy Bailey, OBE, whilst researching the Bristol Bus Boycott campaign of 1963. At that time I learnt of his social activism not only in relation to employment but also housing and cricket. In 2025, he graciously agreed to have a conversation with me about his activism against racism in Bristol housing. During the 1980s, he was particularly concerned about the housing needs of Black Elders who were either retired or nearing retirement. They were still experiencing racism in housing, especially in care home provision. The need to provide culturally appropriate, affordable housing led him to establish the United Housing Association, the first Black-led association of its kind in Bristol. His niece, Jacqui Wilson, volunteered to film the conversation. All she asks for is for you to leave your comments about the video, and to subscribe to her Youtube channel.

Dr. Guy Bailey, OBE, in conversation with Silu Pascoe (a member of Bristol Radical History Group), talks about his journey to becoming an activist against racism in housing, employment, education and sport. He tells her what it was like for him, as a young 16 year old, arriving in Bristol back in the early 1960s. In particular, he talks about his struggle against racism in Bristol housing. This activism led him to be one of the founders of the first black housing association in South West England. In the 1980s, he pioneered suitable housing to meet the needs of newly retired black elders.