Welcome to another AccessAbility Arts interview! We are excited to highlight the incredible contributions and achievements of inspiring individuals from diverse backgrounds within the art and accessibility community. Meet Robert Punton, a passionate advocate who has dedicated his life to fighting for the rights of disabled individuals.
Despite being labeled as disabled at a young age, Robert has continuously challenged societal barriers and worked tirelessly to break free from the limitations imposed upon him. Over the past four decades, he has been a prominent figure in the disabled rights movement, participating in various forms of activism such as blocking roads, occupying buildings, and even staging protests at governmental institutions to demand equal rights for all.
In addition to his advocacy work, Robert is also a talented poet, having discovered his passion for writing poetry in 2016. Alongside his friend Manjit Sahota, he co-founded Poets Against Racism, a platform that has not only flourished in the UK but has also sparked similar initiatives in the USA. Robert considers this collaboration to be one of his greatest accomplishments.
With a strong belief in promoting people's abilities and championing inclusivity, Robert is dedicated to working with Accessibility Arts to create a more accessible and inclusive environment for all. He actively confronts discrimination and bigotry wherever they arise, standing firm in his commitment to combat fascism and racism.
Robert Punton's journey is a testament to the power of resilience, creativity, and advocacy in driving positive change and shaping a more inclusive society.
If you're on social media, give them a follow. Facebook: RJP_Poetry
Poets Against Racism facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PoetsAR?
Here is the interview
DK: How did you first become involved in advocating for the rights of disabled individuals?
RP: I got involved in advocacy at an early age, at twenty I was asked with my dad to talk at a Spastic Society (Scope) conference in Blackpool. While everyone else told them how wonderful they were, we spoke up and told them some home truths. Ever since then I have used my voice to speech up, act, to support others unable to do so for themselves.
DK: Poetry and art can be a great tool for society and looking back at history. What do you think is the power of poetry - or any art - and what role do you believe artists have in modern society?
RP: Poets have always been at the forefront of speaking truth to lies, the poets of the first world War are splendid examples of this; Wilfred Owen is my hero. We are carrying on that tradition of being Bards for a Better Life.
DK: Can you describe some of the specific actions and forms of activism that you have engaged in to fight for equal rights?
RP: I am best known for my direct action, blocking roads, occupying buildings storming parliament and such antics. I even chained myself to the White House in Washington DC. I do not confide myself to advocating solely for the rights of disabled people. I am extremely proud of being the co-founder of Poets Against Racism, I will write more on this later.
DK: What role does poetry play in your life, and how has it contributed to your advocacy work?
RP: My advocacy and poetry are interweaved. Poets and advocates do similar roles, both observe the world events, listen to what is said then translate what they see and hear and hear into words your audience understand. Poets make great advocates and advocates can make good poets.
DK: We all know how important it is to look after our mental health, so tell us, do you have any strategies you use to maintain positive mental health in your daily life?
RP: I must admit that looking after my mental health has not always been high on my agenda, it is only in the last few years I have considered the need for slowing down and smelling the flowers, so to speak. I enjoy reading, listening to music and watching sport, especially football and cricket. Being a Birmingham City and Newcastle United supporter, a bluenose Magpie. I am a true bear Warwickshire maniac. Doing direct action as always been a release for me. When things get too much, there is nothing like letting your frustrations out on racists, fascists, police, politicians, or motorists.
DK: Who is Manjit Sahota, and how did your collaboration lead to the creation of Poets Against Racism?
RP: As already said, being co-founder of Poets Racism is my greatest achievement knowing you left that legacy. I met Manjit (magic) Sahota in 2016, we were attending a Stand Up To Racism conference at The Custard Factory in Birmingham. Musicians were giving it large, saying what a wonderful job they did standing against racism. A voice piped up saying what about us poets, that voice was Manjit. I spoke up and agreed, at that moment Poets Against Racism was born. We sometimes wonder whether taking on racists and fascists is easier than confronting musicians, when we spoke up and challenged the ego of the musicians you could hear a pin dropping in that room. How dare poets speak up, speak out. From small beginning we have grown and grown. There is now a sister organisation in America founded by Debbie Allen and Patricia Thrushart we have individually and separately gone from strength to strength.
DK: In what ways have you been involved with Accessibility Arts (thanks for this by the way brother) to promote inclusivity and accessibility in society?
RP: If meeting and working with Manjit is my poetry pinnacle, then meeting DK dickhead must run it a close second. I refer to him as my brother because our outlook and experiences are like images from a mirror which is amazing as he is 30 years my younger, which says a lot about the speed in which society is moving towards inclusion of disabled people, not in a positive way.
I am amazed at the amount of work DK has achieved in working for inclusion of all marginalised and oppressed people in society not just disabled people. Which is why I am happy to work with him and everyone at AccessAbility Arts to further their work
When I was DK age, I was an incredibly angry man. After years of not being educated in the “special school” system, (I always say I educated myself despite going to school to spite that system) I had just escaped from a residential institution run by Scope. Discovered the Disabled People’s Movement. I had tons of booted up anger I wanted to vent on abled bodied people and their disabling society. Which is why I have so much respect and admiration for brother DK, I am sure he has as much anger at society he controls and camouflages much better than I ever managed at his age.
DK: How do you address discrimination and bigotry in your advocacy work, particularly in combating fascism and racism?
RP: I use my poetry to highlight my work and commitment to facing up to, facing down, racism and fascism and all forms of bigotry, discrimination, and hatred we encounter in society today. It goes beyond that I like were possible to show a physical presence, to show ever I will go that extra mile to achieve my goal equality for all. It also proves to those who doubt, that people like me can make a positive contribution to society and not be seen solely as a burden.
DK: What has been the most rewarding part of your journey so far?
RP: I have many hights in my life. If I was forced, to choose one, I would have to say being asked to stand for Parliament by TUSC (Trade Union & Socialist Coalition) it is one thing one people inside your circle of expertise ask you to contribute, when people outside of that circle ask you to represent them that gives you a real buzz. That was when I stood in the 2015 General Election contesting the Perry Barr Birmingham Constituency. I can say I have stood for Parliament; I have raided Parliament; I know which experience I preferred. I will leave you to guess which? It also teaches you if you can face a husting, where you have no idea what people are going ask you, and you must respond immediately and coherently, then you can do anything. Facing an audience as a performing poet is a piece of piss compared to doing that. I also decided to give poetry a go following that experience. I found myself waffling on, talking nonsense, on several occasions. So, I thought give poetry a go, think in shorter, sharper, sentences. Over time I discovered I enjoyed poetry and was okay writing it, I am still learning though every day.
DK: What do you think are some of the key factors that have contributed to your resilience and success in driving positive change for a more inclusive society?
RP: To be honest pure pig-headedness, all my life people have told me you cannot do that and every I give it a go to prove them wrong. Sometimes I fail, but when I succeed it gives me great satisfaction to stick my imaginary finger in the air and say FUCK YOU. I am also aware of the heroes who have gone before me, it is our responsibility to keep the battle for inclusion and equality going. None are free until we are all free. It also, gives me considerable pride, when people tell me thank you for doing and say what we cannot.
DK: And lastly. We all need to relax, chill, and switch off sometimes. So how do you relax?
RP: I am incredibly lucky I love doing what I do. I never switch off; I am constantly looking. listening, and learning. As I finish this question-and-answer exercise with my brother DK I realise what a packed adventure my life has been. From surviving segregated education of the 60s, 70s and 80s. To living and escaping institutional living, helping others escape. I have lived a full independent life, working, and living in society. Achieved things many non-disabled people have not. Wherever my parents are looking down from I hope they are doing so with pride. Saying that is my boy.
If you want to read more about Robs schooldays, he recommends you read Paul Hodgson’s “For the Love of Darlo”. In it he writes about our share experiences in a “special school” in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Love-Darlo-Fifty-Supporting-Darlington-ebook/dp/B0D8YSHR3X/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.BvGnrBsqk0hyAV-rkoXwcbYceCRyQtHqY3yRbRuZRIg.mYx2Nx09CsKtPfjAijzT1rfFBDCIfj7bQ5VLwJIITco&dib_tag=se&keywords=for+the+love+of+darlo&nsdOptOutParam=true&qid=1732535808&s=digital-text&sr=1-1
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