Judi Love in tears over heartbreaking clip of racism Windrush generation endured

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Judi Love in tears over heartbreaking clip of racism Windrush generation endured
Judi Love in tears over heartbreaking clip of racism Windrush generation endured

Judi Love broke down in tears while reviewing scenes of racism that were directed at members of the Windrush generation as she met with iconic equal rights campaigner Guy Bailey during a Pride of Britain special documentary.

The 43-year-old TV star met with 78-year-old Guy to learn about his life after he moved to the UK from his home in Jamaica in the 1960s. While Guy arrived in Bristol and looked forward to a new life, he was met with bitter, racist attitudes which looked set to derail his plans to work on the busses in the West Country city - in scenes that aired on ITV ’s Pride of Britain A Windrush Special on Thursday night.

When Judi met with Guy, she joined him inside a cinema where they reviewed footage of old interviews from the 1960s showing members of the public expressing racist views - refusing to interact with or work with black people for no reason other than the colour of their skin. The sickening opinions made for difficult viewing - and both Judi and Guy were left distressed by the scenes that they watched.

Reflecting on the racism he was subjected to, Guy said: “I shed tears inside. It’s hard to live with.” And an emotional Judi offered her support, saying: “It hurts my heart to hear you say it hurts you. I’m going to give you a hug.”

Judi Love in tears over heartbreaking clip of racism Windrush generation endured qhiddkikdidkinvJudi Love was left in tears while reviewing racist views from the 1960s (ITV)

Viewers tuning in to the ITV documentary were also devastated to see the footage, with one tweeting: “Shameful listening to people say these bigoted words.” As Guy shared his story, viewers learned that Guy was denied a job on the Bristol busses simply due to the colour of his skin.

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The discrimination Guy faced led him to take action and in the summer of 1963, a protest was organised where people of all colours refused to board buses run by the Bristol Omnibus Company because of its refusal to employ black people as drivers or conductors. The Bristol Bus Boycott went on for three months and ultimately led to politicians becoming involved and creating the Race Relations Act which made it illegal to refuse housing, employment or public services to anyone on the grounds of race, ethnicity or colour.

Judi shared her pride in the achievements Guy made, and shed more tears as they reflected on his incredible life. Guy himself poignantly noted that equality is still needed to be achieved.

Judi Love in tears over heartbreaking clip of racism Windrush generation enduredGuy Bailey's activism led to the creation of the Race Relations Act (ITV)

He said: “The fight is not over. We need the younger people to continue. Be there for the ones that come after you.” He was also celebrated for other work over his life - including becoming a social worker and set up the first housing association for black people in Bristol.

One viewer tweeted: “What a beautiful way to put it from Guy Bailey in #Windrush Pride of Britain tonight on @itvnews on those old racist comments, 'my heart moans to hear it.' An early black #socialwork pioneer and housing activist, and direct influence on the Race Relations Act.”

Mirror.co.uk

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