WHO ARE THEY Find Out… You Could Be One of ‘Them’

ISSUE 3 SUMMER 2008

www.obv.org.uk

OPERATION BLACK VOTE THE HOME OF BLACK POLITICS

WHO ARE THEY Find out… you could be one of ‘them’

ADVICE OBAMA: SUMMER FOR MAYOR THE FIRST FAITH FEST JOHNSON BLACK US Mela mania “There are those PRESIDENT and more who want to say EXCLUSIVE! ‘told you so’”

THE OXBRIDGE ‘PASSPORT’: SHOULD BLACK STUDENTS APPLY? (%1%!0#( CONTENTS 04 NEWS FROM OBV &.02(%1 Editor’s Plus a note from the director !0!#*"!,! 09 PARTY POLITICAL BROADCAST London’s new Mayor faces some (301$!63+6 !2 /, daunting challenges. How should 2(%!02.-)++%22+%,%-2 Note he approach them – and what 3#)%.!$!02.-)++0)12.+ are his chances of success? Helpful advice:Sadly, race was used as a weapon in May’s mayoral elections, and with EQUALITY: London growing in cultural diversity let us hope 12 that differences are celebrated rather than used as a DEGREE OF CHANGE divisive political tool. Mayor Johnson has pledged to Are Oxford and Cambridge serve all sections of London’s communities, but will universities “off limits” for Black he live up to his promises? He will be applauded for school leavers. Lisa Gregoire his appointment of Ray Lewis as Deputy Mayor, but reports on attempts to widen /%0!2).-+!#* .2%)1(.+$)-'!#.-&%0%-#% there will be disappointment at the decision to remove access 2.$)1#3112(%/.+)2)#!+!+)%-!2).-.&+!#* the anti-racist message from the RISE festival. )-.0)262(-)#'0.3/1/!02)#3+!0+6 Running London will never be an easy job, so here to 14 GOVERNMENT AND 6.3-'/%./+%!-$2.+..*!2)--.4!2)4%5!61 offer some helpful advice are Lord Victor Adebowale, COMMUNITY NEWS .&%,/.5%0,%-2 Black farmer and Conservative parliamentary candidate Wilfred Emannuel-Jones, and OBV’s Ashok /'(, +) $ *+.#%%#'%- 17 COLUMN: (&)"(,(+'! ', Viswanathan. Party Political Broadcast, page 9 WHAT’S YOUR TAKE? #&('((%% /#* ,(* Ade Sawyerr reviews Barack **# ''#$(-*' , Trouble in Eden! Why do we fi nd it diffi cult Obama’s historic journey to the to live harmoniously with one another? According White House $ to the Bible, the trouble between “Them and Us” ! # started after the seventh day with theft, murder, lying 20 CONNECTING COMMUNITIES ! # and cover-ups. Was the fi rst murder a jealous act to Celebrating cultural diversity # assert identity? Has anything changed today? Add # ! race, culture, religion and greed and, on the one hand, IDENTITY: WHO ARE THEY! we witness oppressive acts of violence committed to 22 Farhad Dalal refl ects on the gain power and assert identity, and on the other the “them” and “us” phenomenon infl iction of pain and disadvantage on those fi ghting for the freedom to express theirs. Farhad Dalal explores the identity crisis, page 22. 25 DIARY: COMMUNITY EVENTS ! " Black History Month !# *(&0#$*",,) ...0#$* * #, *$&/'! ', # One love: The Obama love boat has docked. A large slice of Black Britain believes that Barack ! Obama will become the fi rst Black US President. Among them Ade Sawyerr, who has an electoral ! ! premonition and already sees our man in offi ce – and !# # not just one term! Blackening the White House, page ! % 17. Editor Art direction ! ! Winsome-Grace AIRM Design “Our future is in % Getting engaged! OBV continues its work Cornish (airmdesign@ our hands” ! to engage and empower our communities. We are in googlemail.com) Operation Black Vote is a not-for-profi t Sub-Editor company limited by guarantee. ()1%4%-2)1&0%%"325%!0%0%120)#2%$)- partnership with Bristol and Liverpool City Councils Susan Delgado Print Registered in Cardiff number: 379770 Press Masters 2(%-3,"%0.&!4!)+!"+%1%!211./+%!1% to increase the number of Black and Minority Ethnic Contributors Registered Offi ce: 18 Victoria Park (BME) councillors; with the Welsh Assembly and Square, London E2 9PB &!7."4.0'3*.0#!++ Wilfred Publisher the Parole Board to improve BME membership; and Emmanuel-Jones, Operation Black "63%1$!63+6 teamed with the Electoral Commission, we will leave Lisa Gregoire, Vote www.obv.org.uk Dr Farhad Dalal, no stone unturned to raise political awareness via our Adeela Shafi , ‘Martin Luther King Day’campaign. OBV News, Angela Foster, page 8. Ade Sawyerr, Barbara Campbell, Ashok Viswanathan, Stay tuned Victor Adebowale, Winsome-Grace Cornish ([email protected]) Faz Hakim,

SPRING 2008 3 NEWS NEWS

JPS BREAK ME AND MY Director’s THE BARRIERS SHADOW Magistrate scheme seminar – London note iverpool City Council Chief L Executive Colin Hilton dentity is the big theme was joined by the Mayor in this edition of OBV and councillors from the News. Although it is a main political parties to Liberal Shadow Nathalie Nicholas with her mentor I Councillor Steve Radford complex subject, we are welcome the launch of often compelled to ask, the Liverpool Councillor play a role in local social and economic “who are we?” There is no one simple answer, as Farhad Shadowing Scheme at the development. Participants are required Dalal writes. (See ‘Who are They’ page 22). end of May. to join a political party and will become For example, depending on where I am or who I am talking Following the success of “ambassadors”, encouraging others to to, I might describe myself as Black, Black British, Bajan, the OBV Shadowing Schemes follow their lead, and become active in OBV Caribbean, African, European, Londoner – or just Simon. at Bristol City Council and the campaigns, including voter registration and This may seem confusing and contradictory, but all these departments, plans to apply to National Assembly for Wales, citizenship empowerment to improve BME descriptions are equally legitimate. One thing is for sure become a magistrate. He said: “The Liverpool signed up to the representation in national government and true identity cannot be imposed; unless you believe it, or seminar was highly informative, mentoring project to encourage public life. feel it, it simply doesn’t work. especially the mock exercises. I local Black and Minority Ethnic Shadow Nathalie Nicholas said: The The eminent scholar Farhad Dalal states – and many intend to apply; my day-to-day (BME) people to take an interest scheme provides me with an opportunity to politicians would agree – that we should simply all be work involves making decisions in local government and consider learn about the political system. My goal is British, but until we address the gross inequalities on equality and I see that the bench standing for election as councillors. to be able to make a positive change in the perpetrated on the grounds of race, colour and religion, needs to be representative of all The scheme will encourage and nurture community.” the unequal “them and us” will persist. ethnicities.” those who take part to become involved Speaking at the launch, Councillor Anna Effectively tackling race and religious inequality will ensure Shasta Rashid, a member of the Right and below: in civic life and party politics. They will Rothery, Liverpool’s only BME councillor Lib Dem and Labour that we have the building blocks for a more cohesive and council’s Black Workers Group, shadows with their help to raise awareness of the issues and a graduate of the OBV MP shadowing integrated society. We must learn that integration cannot said: “I want to be a magistrate, and mentors and concerns of their communities and scheme, said: “I very much welcome this be forced, but is rather something individuals choose for from what I’ve heard today there initiative. It is a sad indictment that I am themselves. We should be comfortable with communities is a lack of Asian women coming the only Black representative out of 90 that choose to live separate lives as long as it is within the s part of our Magistrates forward. This is an opportunity for councillors, particularly when the BME law. Once communities feel less threatened they are less AShadowing Scheme OBV me to break those barriers and to community makes up over 8.2 percent of likely to be over protective about their identities. has been travelling across Britain overcome those statistics.” the population and we have one of the The persecution of many Muslims in the ‘war on terror’ with a series of awareness-raising Court Centre Manager Stephen oldest Black communities in Europe.” does not make them feel more British. On the contrary, seminars that have attracted Abbott was full of enthusiasm for Scheme mentor and Council leader Warren an identity under threat will partially retreat before hundreds interested in becoming the event: “We are continually Bradley, said: “The council chamber is reasserting itself with renewed – and sometimes JPs. (Justices of the Peace). looking to increase magistrates dominated by people who are largely from dangerous – vigour. But a society at ease with itself and The roadshow started in to the bench particularly from the a similar background and culture and we its kaleidoscope of cultures would allow individuals to Birmingham back in November BME community. It’s events like are determined that this will change.” coexist with their many identities and perhaps state that, 2007, when 60 people interested this that help fi nd those suitable “being a British citizen affords me the right to be who I in becoming JPs attended a candidates.” want to be’”. learning day entitled ‘A judiciary One of the youngest seminar The above statement may sound a little Utopian, but for all’ organised by OBV and attendees was Birmingham City Madge Saunders perhaps it isn’t. After all, a year ago who among us would Birmingham Magistrates’ Court. Council employee Tasmin Maher, GIVE WHISPER A SHOUT seriously have envisaged that a Black man could become Many of those who attended said 22. She said: “Today was really President? the under-representation of people interesting and it answered all of agistrates Scheme graduate “It incorporates both sacred and secular Dreams can come true if we make them happen! from the Black and Minority my questions. I’m going to apply; I MMadge Saunders, author and self- pieces, with poems written in Jamaican One last point, by the time this edition of the magazine Ethnic (BME) community on the believe I can bring my experience publisher, has been congratulated on the patois and English. arrives on your desk, OBV will be celebrating its 12th magistrates’ benches was one of the to the role from my time working publication of Echoes of a Whisper. “Anyone – all ages, all ethnic groups anniversary. key reasons for their interest. within the community.” The paperback showcases over 140 – can dip in and fi nd a poem that will To mark this date, July 16, I would like to pay tribute to the Anthony Tang, who is of Chinese Other seminars were held in poems written in both verse and prose. touch them in some way”. UK’s Barack Obama generation. This is a generation who origin, said he was not aware of any Liverpool, Manchester and Cardiff. Madge explains: “Echoes of a Whisper are coming out of the shadows, confi dent in themselves Chinese magistrates in the city and The OBV and Ministry of Justice is a work of refl ection and spiritual Echoes of a Whisper: and ready to lead and inspire a nation. welcomed the chance to change Magistrates Shadowing Scheme growth which offers readers a wide ISBN 978-0-9533448-1-9. £10 plus that. Tang, head of equality and roadshow returns in 2009 with range of social, cultural, emotional and p&p. Phone 07779140064 or email Simon Woolley - OBV Director diversity in one of the city council’s more regional seminars. spiritual issues upon which to ponder. [email protected]

4 SPRING 2008 SPRING 2008 5 NEWS NEWSIDENTITY

Parole Board Chief Executive ASSEMBLY SCHEME IS A HIT Christine Glenn PAROLE ON BOARD arole Board reviews determine But among 170 Parole Board members, he 2008 OBV and Welsh in politics from a very young Pwhether prisoners are released fewer than 6 percent are from Black and Assembly Member (AM) age. I did a politics degree and back into society or must remain in jail – Minority Ethnic (BME) communities. Shadowing Scheme drew to gained my Master’s [degree] from Below: Shazia last year alone over 25,000 cases were In a bid to redress the imbalance, the T Awan and David a close with a graduation ceremony Cardiff University. I hope that I appraised. Parole Board, in partnership with OBV, has Cameron in Cardiff last month. The project will be able to become the fi rst The cases are reviewed by panels of up devised a Civic Leadership Programme, achieved early success by winning female Asian Assembly Member to three members who either undertake which includes a free one-day ‘Leading the prestigious Channel 4/Hansard and represent the interests of “paper reviews” at Parole Board offi ces or, Justice’ seminar. Society political award. BME [Black and Minority Ethnic] more typically, carry out oral hearings in Delegates will learn about the role Scheme participants each shadowed communities across Wales. jails at which the prisoner is present. of the Board and will also become an AM from one of the four main “There is a lot of cynicism about Paper reviews consider either the recall of “ambassadors”, sharing their knowledge parties for six months. Mentors politics amongst people my age a prisoner or whether to release them on with others who have an interest in included former Welsh Secretary and I want to encourage young Shazia Rising licence. Oral hearings normally consider becoming a Board member. at Westminster Alun Michael and Welsh Assembly Shadow Shazia Awan has the release or recall of life-sentence and Parole Board Chief Executive Christine Matthew Lane, Director of the AM Shadows discuss the set her sights on Westminster and is steadily high-risk prisoners. Glenn says: “It is important that we route ahead at the scheme’s Welsh Conservative Party and Tory training day moving towards her goal. Parole Board Panel members include raise awareness about the work of the leader in the Assembly. Shazia has already been appointed Chairman members of the judiciary, psychologists and Parole Board in the BME community in Participants learned about how the of the Conservative Muslim Women’s Forum psychiatrists. But sitting alongside them order to attract more applications so that Assembly works, and two training by Lord Sheikh, Chairman of the Conservative are independent members, who do not membership can more accurately refl ect days examined the route to elected Ethnic Diversity Council. She has also chaired need specifi c qualifi cations but should be the communities which it serves.” offi ce and the role of the media in her fi rst meeting in the House of Lords profi cient in analysing and processing large For further information about OBV and the politics. with guest speaker Yasmin Alibhai-Brown, amounts of information. Members receive a Parole Board Civic Leadership Programme, Scheme participant Mari Rees journalist and commentator. fee and are initially appointed to serve for a email [email protected], phone 020-8983 has already been selected as Earlier this year, Shazia became the fi rst three-year period. 5431 or visit www.obv.org.uk prospective parliamentary Asian woman to address the Welsh candidate for Labour in Preseli, Conservative party conference. And her views Pembrokeshire. were aired to a nationwide audience when she Outstanding Son: Magistrates Shadowing Scheme mentor Dr Patrick Davies has been hon- was invited to appear on the BBC’s popular oured as an outstanding son of the Ibibio nation. Dr Davies, a JP and Lecturer at Oxford University, was Simon Woolley, Abdool Khodabocus and Mari Rees accept Politics Show. presented with the award at the fi rst Ibibio Summit in Europe, a three-day Manchester event entitled the 2008 Channel 4/Hansard Society political award She has previously been involved in the South ‘Ibibio People and the Niger Delta Question’. The inauguration of the Manchester chapter of Mboho Wales Youth Parliament and is a member of Mkparawa Ibibio also took place and its Education Endowment Fund was launched. the Welsh Conservative Youth Panel. Honoured: Dr Patrick Davies Shazia says: “I have been a supporter of the party for a long time and feel that so many of my own values, such as the importance of Graduation hosted family and entrepreneurship, the values which I can recognise in the party. “I’ve met [party leader] David Cameron a few by Lord Chancellor times and recently went on the campaign trail Improving diversity: Thames court graduate with him. shadows with their mentor magistrates “It was great to see how well he was received Grande finale: mentor magistrate by the public and I feel that this, combined Linda Hacker JP, with Boris’s election as Mayor of London, Lord Chancellor Jack Straw and graduate really show how the tide has changed in our shadow Baljit Rihal Shazia Awan, who was paired people to get involved and help favour”. with Angela Burns AM, is the them realise the importance She adds: “I am really lucky to fi nd myself The OBV and Ministry of Justice Magistrates Shadowing Scheme much-acclaimed rising star of the of facilitating change through surrounded by incredibly supportive people in 2007-08 came to a grand fi nale last month with a prestigious Welsh Conservative Party. Shazia becoming involved in the political the party such as Matt Lane, our party director, graduation ceremony. Hosted by Secretary of State for Justice and commented in her OBV website system. Nick Bourne, our party leader in the National Lord Chancellor Jack Straw, the ceremony was in recognition of diary: “I’m lucky enough to have “I would like to contribute to Assembly, and Cheryl Gillan MP and Shadow the efforts of scheme participants, including over 100 members been selected from hundreds of altering the face of the Welsh Secretary of State for Wales. of the Black and Minority Ethnic community, mentor magistrates people to get a taste of Assembly Assembly to represent people from “She is a strong, savvy and inspirational and court offi cials, to improve diversity in the magistracy. life. My family background is all communities and refl ect the rich woman and has been a great role model for If you would like to receive information about the next East African Asian and I have and diverse nature of the different me and continues to be an invaluable mentor Magistrates Shadowing Scheme, email OBV at always had a deep-rooted interest communities in Wales.” who I have a tremendous amount of respect [email protected] or phone 0208 983 5426. for.”

6 SPRING 2008 SPRING 2008 7 NEWS COLUMN MLK STILL INSPIRES US ALL PARTY POLITICAL hile this year marks the 40th anniversary of the assassination of African- WAmerican civil rights leader Dr Martin Luther King (MLK), 2008 also marks the rise of Barack Obama, an African-American who has overcome the BROADCAST obstacles that have impeded the rise of so many Black political leaders in the US. Men like King and Obama are a source of inspiration for Black people all over the world. Many African- American Civil Rights leaders have paved the way in inspiring Black Minority Ethnic (BME) citizens in the UK to participate in the democratic process by dedicating their lives to the cause for an equal, representative society. OBV believes that democracy can never fully address the concerns of African, Caribbean and Asian people while they are under-represented in places of power and inﬂ uence: our aim is to redress the imbalance. This is why OBV, with support from the Electoral Commission, will be campaigning throughout the UK in the run-up to the next general election. We want to emulate the US tradition of celebrating MLK Day to galvanise British citizens to support his teachings and philosophy in all our institutions, including schools, colleges, local authorities, faith groups and government organisations. During the second week of January 2009 we will be hosting an international conference to celebrate the birth of MLK, with speeches from political luminaries from the UK and beyond.

Every British, Commonwealth form as well as the names or Republic of Ireland citizen of any 16 or 17-year-olds living in Great Britain is eligible who will be 18 by the time to vote in British elections. of the election. If you move All European Union citizens or change you name, or your resident here are eligible to name has been excluded from vote in European and local the register, you can still get a elections held in the UK. vote. The register is updated A revised register of electors is every month from January to published on 1 December each September. Get a form from the Every vote counts year and voter registration Electoral Registration Service, forms are delivered to every by phone, email or by calling OBV will be running a series of workshops and talks to encourage BME household every autumn. The in person. Forms can also be communities to register to vote. If you would like OBV to visit your organi- London’s new Ashok Viswanathan: names of everyone eligible to downloaded from your local sation, or you would like information on our road show, phone Faz Hakim vote must be entered on the council’s website. on 020-8983-5474 or email [email protected] Mayor faces BORIS HAS JUST some daunting ONE CHANCE challenges BATTLE BUS ON TOUR How should he n Thursday 2 May, many Labour activists woke up feeling bruised, In the run up to the Obattered – and, in some cases, slightly hung over – from the drubbing Mayoral and GLA approach them their party had received in the local election polls the night before. Not elections OBV formed a long into the afternoon, they were made to suffer the indignity of failure all coalition with London’s – and what are over again, this time in the results for the London mayoral election. In one Black groups and faith of the many peculiarities of our democratic system, the votes cast for the organisations to limit his chances of London mayoral and Greater London Authority elections were counted a the scourge by the far- full 24 hours after the local elections although voters went to the polls on Right and encourage success? the same day. There is no doubt that Number Ten would have preferred the people to play a full results to come in on the same day rather than suffering a whole weekend and positive role in the elections. OBV wrote brieﬁ ngs for of negative headlines. media, produced a ground breaking ‘Banksy style’ poster reminding people to register to vote and toured the capital London was without doubt the biggest election blow of all, not only up to Election Day in a battle bus urging a high turnout in because of its status as capital city, but also as host city for the 2012 key areas of inner and outer London. Olympics. In addition, London had been the jewel in the Labour crown for

8 SPRING 2008 SPRING 2008 9 COLUMN PARTY POLITICAL BROADCAST PARTY POLITICAL BROADCAST COLUMN

THOSE OF US over two generations and Mayor Ken had bolstered his VictorV Adebowale: Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones: leadership credentials during one of his fi nest moments WHO ARE BLACK - the “we shall not be moved” speech after the 7 July CHANGE MUST HAVE CONSERVATIVES MANY BLACK LONDONERS WILL bombings. To top it all, some of the media and several PURPOSE Labour politicians did not believe that it would fall to a MORE OFTEN SAY ‘I TOLD YOU SO’ Tory. So how did this sorry tale come about? THAN NOT FIND needs to lead an upward sweep Black Conservatives are few in number, In 2000, Ken Livingstone won offi ce as an independent of ambition for all our young OURSELVES IN but it is heartening to see that a lot more candidate against the might of New Labour, but was re t goes without saying that Bo- people. But he must make it THE WILDERNESS, oris Johnson has had little time to Black people are starting to take tentative elected in 2004 as a reconstituted Labour candidate. By Iris Johnson has a tough job on directly relevant to those young LOOKED UPON Bease himself into his new job be- steps towards the party. But one wrong the start of this year, many feared that, having originally his hands. Not only does he have people who are affected most cause his detractors are waiting for him move – Boris Johnson and the Conserva- been elected as the “anti-politician”, after eight years in to run London, he is also the deeply by our failure to plan and BY OUR BLACK to prove himself wholly unsuitable for tive party showing insensitivity and a offi ce and having acquired a party-political identity he embodiment of the ‘new’ Con- engage with them. COUSINS AS RACE the role. Among those who want to say lack of understanding of the challenges had little to offer when put alongside the free-talking, servatives and he is carrying the “I told you so” are signifi cant numbers of of being Black in Britain – could send right-wing Boris. And while Ken was the champion of fl ag with the lovely green tree. It HOUSING: the availability of af- TRAITORS Black Londoners. them back to the Left. the Left and showed leadership in a number of areas also has on it (much harder to fordable housing – credit crunch – congestion, defence of asylum seekers and making read!), “We aren’t the nasty par- or not – is still a major challenge. During the mayoral race, Boris received There are a number of young Black anti-racism part of the mainstream agenda – this earned ty any more. Honest”. In running Without housing for those in a good deal of criticism from Black Conservatives who are excited by this him lifelong enemies in politics and the media. London he has to demonstrate need, there is a danger of com- Londoners closely allied to the Left, new dawn and are keen to get involved, that he and the Conservatives munity breakdown and the cre- suggesting that he was a racist who had but there isn’t a mechanism to tap into And throughout the campaign, the long shadow of are capable of adding value to ation of a two-tier city. The May- no understanding of the plight of Black this talent. If you compare this to the the Evening Standard and its anti-Ken vendetta led to the lives of everyone in one of or’s planning powers need to be Londoners. The Left tried to convince ‘Women to Win’ campaign, well funded several resignations from his team and a slow drip of the world’s most diverse cities fully engaged in the pursuit of Black people that voting for Johnson was and headed by some of the giants of the negative publicity leading right up to election day. By I can hazard a guess that in- affordable housing. akin to betraying their race. party, you have a sense that getting more the time the real battle started, the Labour campaign ner city Black and Minority Eth- women involved in the party is higher on had already been knocked for six while Boris was just nic (BME) groups may not have POVERTY: as someone who They pointed to articles that Johnson had its list of priorities. beginning to fi re on all cylinders. Boris and the Tories, been his biggest supporters. has lived and worked in London written several years ago in which he while not achieving a landslide win, out-manoeuvred But we weren’t exactly spoiled virtually all his working life, I have used the words “picanninies” and “water With very few exceptions, Black people Ken and Labour, snatching up the vote in the suburbs for choice and we would have witnessed the increasing gap melon smiles” as proof of a racist mind. still fi nd themselves on the fringes of op- where voters felt that Ken’s polices were directed to have had strong stomachs to between rich and poor to the It wasn’t just the words he chose to use; portunity, so Boris and the Conservative against them personally. ignore the 500,000-a-day poster point where we are approach- the other vital ingredient that went into party need to demonstrate that they are campaign run by the Evening ing near-Dickensian differences creating an explosive cocktail was the relevant and have an important role to Boris lacks a natural affi nity with Black people, but Standard on Boris’s behalf. in access to health, safe com- fact that Boris Johnson is a Tory. play. The best way to do this is to bring since his win he has been learning quickly. In the fi rst All this aside, perhaps it was munities, education, jobs and more Black people into the inner circle fortnight, he made key Black and Minority Ethnic time for a change. People were voice. London does not have to Johnson’s enemies were hoping that and, once there, allow them a voice. appointments to his team, including Munir Mirza and fed up with the overpowering be a divided city. None of us can this toxic mix would be enough to cause Without a voice, any Black appointments the widely respected Ray Lewis. Boris has opted to whiff of the right to rule ema- build walls high enough to avoid repulsion and contempt on the scale of could be regarded as tokenism. continue to support the Rise festival, although he has nating from Ken’s campaign. the effects of poverty. The May- the reaction to Enoch Powell’s notorious watered down its anti-racist message. He has made But what is the change it is or has the privilege of acting for, “rivers of blood” speech. Thankfully, Black people are sick of being portrayed his core policy combating crime, especially anti- time for? Surely it is not just a and engaging with, all London, this tactic didn’t work, but Boris felt so as victims and non-achievers. They are social behaviour and knife crime. And although he change of face or political party and through grappling with the bruised by the racism allegations that one desperate for the many positive ele- may not like it, he will have to continue many of the (it doesn’t matter who you vote questions of poverty the Mayor of his fi rst actions as Mayor was the ap- ments of being Black to be communi- policies that made Ken a strong advocate for the Black for; the government always gets adds value to the lives of us all. pointment of Ray Lewis, an inspirational cated rather than replaying the negative communities. These include the defence of migration in). Perhaps Boris could set in Boris could start by demand- Black community leader. stereotypes. The best way to give hope to (the lifeblood of London), support for Black arts, and place a series of changes that ing a better return on the public future generations of Black non-achiev- a close working relationship with the Black voluntary have a lasting effect on the lives service investment on behalf of This was a good move, but the Conserva- ers is to give them role models who can sector. of London’s BME communities. poorest in London, and he could tive party knows that it has much to do demonstrate what is possible. The only engage the poor in a campaign to demonstrate to Black Londoners that way this is going to happen is if the Many suburbanites came out to vote for the fi rst time YOUNG PEOPLE: not just for One London. the Conservative party is also a party for gatekeepers of infl uence and power are in 2008, angry at what they perceived as Ken’s class young people and crime them. prepared to share their stage with them. war; many Black voters stayed at home because they London’s demographics de- did not believe Ken could lose the election. They may mand a strategy that respects Being Black and Tory still gets a double- not stay at home in four years’ time, and Boris may not the fact that London’s BME Lord Adebowale is a cross- take from many people because they get another chance unless he earns the trust of London’s youth population is the fastest bench peer and Chief Executive fi nd it diffi cult to put the two together. Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones is the pro- Black communities. growing in the country. Lon- of Turning Point, the UK’s lead- Those of us who are Black Conservatives spective parliamentary candidate for the don needs a youth plan that ing social care organisation. The more often than not fi nd ourselves in the new constituency of Chippenham, and addresses youth inclusion, not views expressed are his per- wilderness, looked upon by our Black a Devon farmer. He is owner of The Ashok Viswanathan is Assistant Director, OBV. just youth exclusion. The Mayor sonal view. cousins as race traitors. Black Farmer® food brand label.

10 SPRING 2008 SPRING 2008 11 EQUALITY EQUALITY

Oxford and Cambridge Universities – Oxbridge, as they are DEGREE OF CHANGE “Like it or not, a degree from educated at Oxbridge than their Tory the act? Both Oxford and Cambridge And look what happened to him! collectively known – Oxford carries some clout.” colleagues, the current Labour govern- are still struggling to attract even a “Of course people draw parallels These are the words of Dr Cheron ment is run by an educational elite. reasonable number of Black applicants. between the fact that I’m president at have an unrivalled Byfi eld, the founding director of the Na- Prime Minister Gordon Brown fa- In 2006, Cambridge received only 191 college and therefore could be Prime international reputation tional Black Boys Can Association, an mously criticised Oxford when White applicants from Black pupils, account- Minister,” says Iwu. ‘But I’m not think- organisation that aims to boost the num- Tyneside comprehensive school sixth- ing for just 2 per cent of its “home” ing about that just yet. for their teaching and bers of Black boys applying to study at former Laura Spence was turned down applications – and Oxford fared “I can’t rule out going into politics in research. But too often Oxford and Cambridge. Byfi eld, who for a place to study medicine despite little better. the future, but I’d like to give back to studied for her doctorate at Oxford in being predicted (correctly, as it turned Any number of theories have been put the community that I was brought up in, the opportunities they the ’90s, set up the association in 2002 out) to achieve 4 grade ‘A’s at A-level forward to explain why applications to whether that’s through doing pro bono offer are perceived to be to provide practical educational support (she subsequently won a scholarship to Oxbridge from Black pupils remain so [‘for the public good’ – ie, free] work or to young Black boys. Dr Cheron Byfield top US Ivy League university Harvard). low. These range from pupils’ fear that if it’s through politics.” “off limits” for Black Since then, she and her colleagues (right), is founder of the But his own government has no they will not “fi t in” to the perception of While the university cannot take credit National Black Boys Can school leavers. have established links with the universi- Association (above), lessons to teach in reaching outside the wider community that when Black for Iwu’s humility, it may at some point ty, and last November Black Boys Can, which aims to boost the the educational establishment for its people study at elite institutions they in the future be able to point to its pivotal Lisa Gregoire reports on numbers of Black boys together with the university, launched applying to study at membership. David Miliband, Jacqui become “coconuts”. A lack of encour- role in producing yet another political attempts to widen access a four-year programme to help break Oxbridge Smith, John Hutton, Ed Balls, Ruth agement from state school teachers has leader. Because, as a wise woman once down the barriers that have prevented so Kelly, Geoff Hoon, Ed Miliband, also been blamed. said, “like it or not, but a degree from many capable Black pupils from apply- background, and only fi ve have African Andy Burnham, James Purnell, Shaun It would surely be foolish to expect a Oxford carries some clout”. ing to study there. or African-Caribbean antecedents. For Woodward, Yvette Cooper, Sir Mark revolution any time soon, but it should Professor Elizabeth Fallaize, univer- the Commons to be representative of Malloch-Brown and Paul Murphy are be noted that the signs of the times sity pro-vice chancellor and an avid sup- wider society, there need to be at least all Oxbridge alumni. show that progress is being made. The porter of the programme, believes that 13 Black MPs. And ironically, among the few high- fi rst Black president of Oxford’s Student the future of Oxford depends on its abil- And the link between making it to the Union (SU) was elected ity to tap into the wealth of talent to be top in politics and your place of educa- A deeply ingrained belief last year. In a fi erce battle found in minority ethnic groups which tion could not be clearer. According to a persists that the best way to that makes the Obama- Keith Vaz and have traditionally been absent from the 2005 survey by the Sutton Trust, which Clinton rivalry seem mild, Cabinet ministers Diane Abbott are ancient quadrangles of top colleges such campaigns for educational opportunities “get on” in life is to acquire an 21-year-old philosophy, Ed Balls and both graduates of as Christ Church and Magdalen. for those from non-privileged back- politics and economics stu- Jacqui Smith both went Cambridge University to Oxford Speaking at the launch of the pro- grounds, some 27 percent of MPs are Oxbridge “passport” dent Lewis Iwu thrashed gramme, she said that Oxford’s position Oxbridge educated. At that date, nearly his main rival by a stag- as one of the world’s leading academic half of Conservative MPs had attended profi le BME MPs the story is the same. gering 393 votes to secure a notable institutions depended on it “fi nding the Oxford or Cambridge, and 23 per cent Keith Vaz, whose parents were from victory. very best students, and not necessarily the of Labour government ministers were Goa and who came to Britain from He acknowledges that being SU students that have been the best taught”. alumni of one of the two universities. Aden (now Yemen) and who now holds president sits well on his CV – one So how will this new-found enthu- These statistics show that the estab- the post of Chair of the Commons’ of his predecessors is the son of siasm to attract more pupils from the lishment is still very much a reality in infl uential Home Affairs Select Com- current Lord Chancellor Jack Straw – African-Caribbean community impact Britain; an exclusive club made up of mittee, studied at Cambridge. Similarly, and could pave the way for a successful on the future face of British politics? public school and Oxbridge-educated Labour backbencher Diane Abbott, career in politics. After all, a relatively Only time will tell, but the prospects for men (and a few women) who tend to the fi rst Black woman MP and whose unknown student called Barack change look good – partly because the recruit in their own image. While the parents were Jamaican immigrants, is a Obama held student offi ce when he situation could not get much worse. Sutton Trust survey showed that Labour graduate of the same university became the fi rst Black president of Although Britain is one of the most MPs were far less likely to have been Oxbridge, without doubt, occupies an the Harvard Law Review in 1990. ethnically diverse countries extremely powerful place in Britain’s in the western world, its The prospects for change social structure and in the class-ridden Parliament is still dominat- look good – partly because world of British politics. A deeply ed by white, middle-class ingrained belief persists that the best Lewis Iwu, 21, was the men. Of the 646 MPs, only the situation could not get way to “get on” in life is to acquire an first Black president of 15 are from a Black and Oxbridge “passport”. Oxford’s Student Union when he was elected Minority Ethnic (BME) much worse So how can Black students get in on last year.

12 SPRING 2008 SPRING 2008 131313 NEWS GOVERNMENT & COMMUNITY GOVERNMENT & COMMUNITY NEWS 1 Have your say 5 Speak up for 7 Looking up to Gandhi To celebrate this year’s People migrant workers Plans by a faith charity to erect and Politics Day, Labour MP A project to improve the lan- a statue of Indian nationalist Dawn Butler has launched a new guage skills of migrant work- spiritual and political leader online national consultation, the ers, English@Work in Devon, Mahatma Gandhi in the Belgrave “mylifemysay” survey, to give will ensure that those employed area of Leicester have been approved young people a chance to voice in the county have safe work- by the city council. The charity, their concerns about the future. ing conditions and are able to Samanvaya Parivar, submitted plans Butler, who is Chair of the All- communicate in basic English. for the bronze statue last year, but Party Parliamentary Group for The project is funded by De- the proposal was opposed by some Youth Affairs, hopes to use the von Renaissance, the Learning members of the community who felt survey fi ndings to encourage a Skills Council and the European that it would be more appropriate debate in Parliament and formu- Social Fund and is being deliv- to commemorate a local figure. The late new legislation. ered by Productive Skills for council’s decision to grant planning “In media and politics today, Devon. Devon Renaissance se- permission was greeted with delight people pay lip service to young nior project development offi cer by local MP Keith Vaz. The charity people and their needs without Simon Mallet says the initiative will donate £20,000 to pay for the really listening,” said Butler. has a big contribution to make: 7ft statue that will stand on Belgrave “Labour wants to show that it “Migrant workers are playing an Road in the heart of Leicester’s doesn’t just talk about young 3 Jah Wobble and the Pagoda Chinese Youth Orchestra increasingly important role in Asian community. Samanvaya Parivar people, it listens to them.” The Liverpool Culture Company, which is delivering the city’s cultural programme the region’s workforce and make spokesman Jitendra Acharya believes For further information, visit during its year as European Capital of Culture, has invited the internationally a substantial contribution to the the figure of Gandhi is an inspirational www.mylifemysay.co.uk acclaimed musician Jah Wobble, who has worked with artists such as Bjork and economy. It is therefore vital that one: “We thought this was a very Massive Attack, to collaborate with the Pagoda Chinese Youth Orchestra for a good way to express our appreciation Picture by Colin Patterson we utilise their skills by ensur- one-off event in Liverpool in July. The project aims to raise awareness of the ing that language barriers are and celebrate the multi-cultural Chinese community in the city and promote Chinese music to a wider audience. overcome.” The project’s launch community which exists in Leicester.” The Pagoda Chinese Youth Orchestra fundraises for various causes and has held comes as the Government-ap- three events for the victims of the Sichuan earthquake, which raised nearly pointed Commission on Inte- £10,000. For further information, visit www.liverpool08.com gration and Cohesion proposed to make employers pay for language lessons for migrant COUNCILLORS: workers. For further infor- 4 @ZZcXnXa^hi mation, contact John Wil- WHY 18% WON’T DO lis or Wendy Head on 01647 Hda^Xîdg An X-Factor-style search for the capital’s 441050 or email skills4life future councillors has been launched in an =djh^c\XVbeV^\cZg [email protected]. effort to boost the number of candidates from BeYWbYekdY_bbeh diverse backgrounds. London Councils’ Project MUSLIM 2010 will campaign to make the profi le of Lon- 6 don’s councillors more refl ective of wider society CONCERNS HEARD by generating interest in the role among young Westminster Council has people in their twenties and thirties, young moth- pledged to listen to the concerns FUNDS BOOST ers and people from Black and Minority Ethnic of its Muslim residents follow- 2 (BME) communities. Only 18 percent of current ing a survey of the needs of com- FOR FATIMA councillors are from a BME background although munity organisations in the bor- The Fatima Women’s Associa- BME people make up 40 percent of London’s ough. The evaluation was part of tion in Oldham has received Na- population. London Councils Chair Councillor the council’s participation in the tional Lottery funding of almost Merrick Cockell said: “It is fundamental to the government-backed Prevention 8 Dalston £160m regeneration to include 500 homes £10,000 to help meet the needs success of local government that the public per- of Violent Extremism (PVE) East London’s Dalston is to get a massive £160 million boost through the regenera- of women in the area. The char- ceive their councils as something they can be part pathfi nder project. The council tion of its town centre. The ambitious scheme will create more than 500 new homes

ity was set up in 1991 by local of and infl uence, rather than something that BedZedÊibeYWbYekdY_bbehiYec[ will use the survey results to sup- and improve, and add to, local amenities. At the heart of the development is the \hecWbbmWbaie\b_\[$EhZ_dWho Pakistani women who were con- just exerts power over them. By inspiring f[efb[Ze_d]Wd[njhWehZ_dWhoèX$ port community leadership and construction of Dalston Square, the largest public space to be built in the area for Id[^cYdjibdgZVWdji]dl cerned about the lack of facilities new and talented people from all walks of life, idWZXdbZVXdjcXâadgk^hî tackle Islamophobia. Westmin- over 100 years. It will house the entrance to the new London Overground station, X[WYekdY_bbeh$eh]$ka#IZaZe]dcZ for minority-ethnic women. The religions, gender and ethnic groups to stand for Zcfj^g^Zh%'%,.()..%+# ster Council Leader Sir Simon Dalston Junction, which will open in 2010. Hackney Mayor Jules Pipe said: “This association provides and assists council we hope to invigorate local democracy Milton explained: “Through this development will bring major investment to the local community, with the borough’s in the provision of training, edu- with a new fervour.” The campaign will run up to research, we are able to better fi rst full link to the Tube network offering easier access to jobs across London and cational courses, and recreation the 2010 elections. lll#WZVXdjcXâadg#dg\#j` understand each other and work encouraging more investment into the area. The new homes, library, open space, and leisure activities. www.bacouncillor.org.uk together to tackle extremism.” shops and restaurants will boost the heart of Dalston.”

14 SPRING 2008 SPRING 2008 151515 NEWS GOVERNMENT & COMMUNITY COLUMN: WHAT’S YOUR TAKE?

also took part in the race. The event raised Barack Obama’s 9 FAITH AND FUN £1,000 for the Borough of Redbridge A fi ve-strong squad from Essex’s Ilford Mayor’s Victim Support Charity Appeal. historic selection as AC-Athletics Club enjoyed the hospital- This year, the SRM will be held on 24 Democratic candidate ity of the Sikh community when they August when it is hoped that 26 teams will took part in the inaugural SRM (Sikh compete on the tough training route used by in the US elections Relay Marathon) in August last year. The Fauja Singh. You too can get fi t and help to puts the presidency extremely well-organised community raise money for a good cause by taking part event attracted 100 runners who formed in the SRM. The day’s theme, as always, is within the grasp of a 16 teams. It brought together skilled club a peaceful world for all. Join the trailblazing Black man for the fi rst athletes with young and old fun runners. marathon relay team – Sikhs in the City – They were men and women of a range comprising some of the world’s oldest run- time. But his views of abilities and from a variety of back- ners, including 97 year old Fauja Singh and on race are having an grounds and faiths, and from all parts Karnail Singh (both from Ilford), Ajit Singh of the country, including the Midlands, (Huddersfi eld) and Amrik Singh (Glasgow). impact Scotland, and west and east London. The Gurbakhsh Singh (Gravesend) is likely to be far beyond the shores relay race was held at Essex’s Woodford joined by Buster (Basant Singh) Martin, the Bridge, which is also the training route 101 year old who completed this year’s 2008 of the US, as of one of Ilford’s most celebrated run- London Marathon. The deadline for receipt Ade Sawyerr explains ners, 97-year-old Fauja Singh. Fauja, of entry forms is 27 July. the holder of 12 concurrent world age For further information, and to obtain records, was there not just to add glamour an entry form, please contact Harmander to the day – he was a competitor, too. Singh on 07958 946868 or email har- Ilford AC-Athletics Club club members SRM competitor Ajit Singh, 78, took part in the Luxembourg marathon earlier this year [email protected] or talk2us@ Sukhbinder Jandu and Sulakhan Jandu sikhs.org.uk

Carving out a business funding. Its objective is to be and Enterprise Development recognised as the pre-eminent in Africa), in partnership with White House African diaspora organisation, VSO, to invest over £200,000 Barack Obama at United providing business develop- to support over 600 small States Senate ment support, and becoming businesses in Sierra Leone and the fi rst-choice information Ghana. This year, AFFORD has source for investment oppor- created two business centres tunities in small and medium in Sierra Leone in partner- enterprises (SMEs). AFFORD ship with Comic Relief and the is also determined to ensure university. To date, these have that public debate in the West trained 25 business coaches about Africa focuses on the link to provide practical support to between poverty reduction and hundreds of local businesses 10 Africa’s business champions jobs rather than clichéd images and entrepreneurs. This year, of begging bowls. Onyekachi DFID is funding the creation of Since its formation in 1994, Wambu. AFFORD has had direct Wambu explains: “Sub-Saharan another seven centres. Onyeka- AFFORD (African Foundation input into policy development Africa needs 8 million new jobs chi explains: “We are working for Development) has gained at international bodies such as annually for sustainable de- with banks, micro-fi nance insti- recognition as a pioneering the UN Economic Commission velopment. Most of these jobs tutions and trade associations African development think for Africa, World Bank, Interna- will be created by SMEs, not in African countries to help BLACKENING THE tank and charity. Its ground- tional Organisation for Migra- large corporations, not govern- small entrepreneurs become breaking research, advocacy tion and the African Union. In ments and not NGOs [non- more structured and effi cient.” and policy development work Europe, it has worked with governmental organisations]. But while AFFORD works to have helped highlight diaspora the EU, and in the UK with the This is why AFFORD has piloted improve Africa’s jobs market, issues and led to international Department for International effective ways of harnessing the organisation also needs to recognition of its contribution. Development. Over the next African diaspora resources generate at least £250,000 a “We have been recognised three years, AFFORD aims to to create and sustain jobs in year in non-grant income to WHITE in particular for our work on develop a 1,000-strong African Africa.” Its recent successes sustain its invaluable work. remittances, global resource diaspora investor commu- include mobilising over 70 For more information on how circulation, circular migration nity that will actively support diaspora professionals through you can support the work of and enterprise development,” 1,000 enterprises in Africa its fl agship SEEDA programme AFFORD, visit says AFFORD’s Onyekachi and provide over £1 million in (Supporting Entrepreneurs www.afford-uk.org HOUSE

16 SPRING 2008 SPRING 2008 17 WHAT’S YOUR TAKE? BLACKENING THE WHITE HOUSE BLACKENING THE WHITE HOUSE: WHAT’S YOUR TAKE?

n January 20 2017, a new US generation is different. It is a catalyst for Is this idealism, or perhaps a fairy tale looking forward into the future with hope Condoleezza Rice president will be sworn in to change – and for the empowerment of which we should know better than to and confi dence. Oreplace Barack Obama, who will people to demand and implement that believe? America needs a message of Obama has built a movement that will also have completed two successful terms change. hope that is devoid of all the cynicism impact on the way that America looks at, as elected leader of the most powerful In championing this new brand of that has consumed it in the wake of the and engages with, foreign policy. country in the world. politics, Obama is helping to change the terrorist attacks of 9/11. America must America can lead the world, but it must President Obama’s successor will be parameters of politics from adversarial refocus on fi xing the ills of America not take the moral high ground, assert that another Democrat because he will issues of different interest groups to before it can attempt to fi x the ills of the America is better than other countries and have used his presidency to deliver on a consensus of the majority. This is world. unilaterally determine what is good for health, education, jobs and the economy refreshing not only for America, but for If Obama fi xes the economy for all the world. This is the mindset that led to – the concerns of ordinary people all the world. So when Obama says that America, if Obama is able to fi x health the ill-judged invasion of Iraq. over America. The new president will there is only one America, what we hear care and provide sound education and Obama will be embraced by the whole probably be a woman, and like Obama, echoing around the world is an assertion good jobs, he will also have fi xed things world if he shows that America is a friend a mould-breaker. that there is no Black world or white for the millions of Black people in to the whole of the world. It is by doing Through his historic achievement in world, there is no capitalist or socialist America who have waited so long for a this that he will send a strong signal to all becoming Democratic nominee for world and there is no poor or rich world. messiah. It would mean that he had been that America is prepared to come down the US presidential elections, Barack There is only one world! true to his word in helping America on from its lofty heights to discuss with Obama has attained heights that were not its journey towards the ‘perfect union’ other nations what is good for the whole achievable for Black men in America just THE OBAMA that he spoke about in his ground- world. Obama will represent principled 50 years ago. Then African Americans breaking speech on race in Philadelphia leadership. Where coercion has resulted in were, in the main, excluded from politics. GENERATION in March. rejection of American values, persuasion They were allowed to vote – but their IS DIFFERENT. IT IS “I have asserted a fi rm conviction,” he is likely to yield better results as we only option was to vote for white men. said, “a conviction rooted in my faith in move towards the one-world concept that Obama’s predecessors, the African A CATALYST FOR God and my faith in the American people Obama embraces. Americans who aspired to the highest CHANGE – AND FOR – that working together we can move The Obama effect signals that a newer offi ce in America – Carol Moseley beyond some of our old racial wounds, breed of politicians is needed in the UK, Braun, Al Sharpton, Alan Keyes, Lenora EMPOWERMENT and that in fact we have no choice if we too. Politics in Britain is no longer about Fulani, Jesse Jackson, Shirley Chisholm, are to continue on the path of a more protest, campaigning or bargaining, it is Eldridge Cleaver and Dick Gregory – ‘perfect union’.” not about healing now or “postponement”. were not perceived as mainstream or In that speech he signalled the start It is about Black people moving away credible candidates. High-fl ying African of post-racial politics in America and from the margins and the fringes into American men and women such as extended the way in which race should the mainstream of politics, prepared to Andrew Young, US ambassador to the be seen. Race, according to Obama, prove that they can bring a mainstream UN, Secretary of Commerce Ron Brown is no longer simply about guilty white attitude to tackling issues that affect us all and Secretaries of State Colin Powell and people and victimised Black people. It is – educational underachievement, health Condoleeza Rice have been appointed now about a coming-together to cure the inequalities, jobs, housing and crime – so to high offi ce to do the bidding of their “birth defect” to which Condoleeza Rice that all can share in the wealth created in elected presidents. referred in her response to the Obama this country. Now the situation is very different. speech. Those who did not live through the battles Obama leads the fi eld as a new breed of “Descendants of slaves did not get much of Brixton, Toxteth, Handsworth, Moss OBAMA DID NOT The effect of Obama on young African, mainstream African American politicians of a head start,” she said, “and I think Side and Broadwater Farm should not be SIMPLY FOLLOW THE Caribbean and Asian people of this to assert themselves. Men like Governor Jesse Jackson you continue to see some of the effects of shackled to viewing the future through country must not be underestimated. It Deval Patrick of Massachusetts, Adrian that. That particular birth defect makes it the eyes of those who struggled so that ROUTE TAKEN BY will propel millions of Britons to think Fenty of Washington DC and Cory hard for us to confront it, hard for us to they will reap the benefi ts of a better, MALCOLM X AND about politics, and that is certainly a good Booker of Newark have benefi ted talk about it, and hard for us to realize more equal future for all. They cannot be thing for citizenship in this country and from affi rmative action, attended good that it has continuing relevance for who held back if they start championing all LUTHER-KING... HE the rest of the world. mainstream universities and graduate we are today.” causes; a determination to integrate will HAS RESHAPED THEIR schools and see no reason why they must It is not only America that needs this reap greater benefi ts for all. be pigeon-holed as Black politicians message of hope. Obama’s message is Obama did not simply follow the route MESSAGE Ade Sawyerr is partner in Equinox unable to rise above issues of race. Like needed by the whole world and he will taken by Malcolm X, a protester and Consulting, a management consultancy Obama, they reach out to the whole of be judged by how deftly he is able to campaigner, and Martin Luther-King, a they will be able to achieve their dream providing consultancy, training and America. build a consensus to deal with its trouble bargainer. He sought to fulfi l the legacy of engaging in the struggle to make this research that focuses on strategies for Many of the old type African American spots. We need a new approach to the of both these men by reshaping their country a better place. He is charging Black and minority ethnic disadvantaged politician cut their teeth campaigning problems of poverty, terrorism and the message into one of relevance for these them to be confi dent enough to want to and socially excluded communities. He against racial injustices that in many environment. modern times represent all. It is in this way that we can also comments on political, economic ways left them being perceived as The earth needs “healing”, as Obama Obama will be an inspiration to all implement a new approach to resolving and social, and development issues. Visit one-dimensional candidates, unable to puts it, and who better to do that than young people wherever they are white, what at one time seemed to be the www.equinoxconsulting.net or email appeal to a wider audience. The Obama Malcolm-X someone whose message is one of Black, rich, poor, ideologue, pragmatist, intractable problems of race inequality. him at [email protected]

18 SPRING 2008 SPRING 2008 19 CONNECTING COMMUNITIES CONNECTING COMMUNITIES

Left: Bradford Mela and Tunbridge Wells Mela , ISLAM EXPO: A CELEBRATION OF MUSLIM FAITH AND CULTURE Sunday 20 July 2008.

Below: Edinburgh Mela London’s Islam Expo Subject to moon sighting, Ramadan, the Festival, Monday 25 July- provides an opportunity to next big event of the Muslim calendar, Sunday 31 August 2008 explore, discuss and debate will take place from 31 August to the peaceful, sophisticated and 2 September. innovative face of Islam. Muslims believe that during the month While some seek to build of Ramadan, Allah revealed the fi rst walls of separation, Islam verses of the Qur’an, the holy book of Expo provides a platform for Islam, to the Prophet Muhammad. dialogue and fosters mutual The focus of Ramadan is self-sacrifi ce understanding between Mus- and devotion to Allah (God), and more lims and the rest of British than a billion Muslims around the world society. mark the month of Ramadan by prayer, By celebrating Islamic his- fasting and charity. tory, culture and civilisation, Rafi q Maricar, OBV’s IT Manager, Expo seeks to provide visi- explains: “The purpose of the fast is to tors, both Muslim and those learn self-discipline, to build good char- of other faiths and cultures, acteristics including patience, endur- with an accurate portrayal of ance, generosity and kindness, and the Islamic faith and Muslims above all to become God-aware as citizens of the world. and God-fearing. The end Ismail Patel, Islam Expo’s of Ramadan fast is marked Executive Director, says: “Islam Expo shows by Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations. ASIAN DELIGHTS contemporary Muslims and non-Muslims how people Muslims start with prayers of other religions have lived and prospered under fi rst thing in the morning, visit Every year Asian culture, history and entertainment can be enjoyed at Islam.” and greet family and friends the festivals, exhibitions and fairs which take place around the coun- Left and below: Desi Masti group will perform at the Peepul Centre Leicester, August 2008 Islam Expo takes place London’s Olympia, 11-14 July and enjoy a festive feast – we try. Thousands of people from different Asian cultures come together [email protected] 2008. simply enjoy the day.” to enjoy Melas and religious events. They provide the opportunity to celebrate Asian history and culture of all types. Bollywood, bhangra, S fashion, food and faith delight and connect people from all communities who share in the festivities. 300 YEARS OF GURUSHIP To fi nd your nearest Mela, exhibition or faith gathering this summer visit: www.asiancommunity.net/ www.melauk.co.uk /www.peepul- The Celebration of Guruship (Gurgaddi) of Sri Guru Granth centre.com / www.faithintowerhamlets.com Sahib (the Sikh holy book) is just one of the important mark- ers of Sikhism. The celebration takes place on 20 October and marks the 300th year of ascension of Guruship. The tenth Guru, Gobind Singh, ended the chain of human Gurus DIWALI LIGHT when he endowed the spiritual throne to the Holy Granth Sahib. One of the biggest events of the Hindu calendar is Deepawali Gurdwaras (temples) and Sikhs worldwide will celebrate or Diwali, ‘Festival of Lights’. this important milestone in their history with special events The fi ve-day festival is marked by fi reworks and candles, and and festivities which are open to all. gifts are exchanged among family and friends. This year, Di- This event is of great significance, and some 26 million Sikhs wali will be celebrated on 28 October with spectacular events worldwide will attend the commemorations at the main Sikh nationwide. Last year, London Mayor Ken Livingstone Gurdwara in Amritsar, Punjab. hosted a Diwali Trafalgar Square Festival of Light and it is The Guru Granth Sahib is regarded as the guiding light for hoped that his successor, Boris Johnson, will choose to do the Sikhs, who honour his principles of peace, equality, unity same this year. The Dasher Diwali Mela will take place in and forgiveness. Platt Fields Park, Manchester. To find out more about forthcoming Sikh celebrations visit: Looking forward to the 2008 celebrations, OBV ambassador www.sgpc.net Sanjay Mistry says: “Diwali is a hugely important event that represents the victory of good over evil. It is a time of year that everyone can come together as it signifi es the value of family, co-operation and mutual respect between peoples of For more information about Diwali events visit: www. Sri Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh holy differing faiths and backgrounds.” diwalifestival.org/ Sikh founder Guru Nanak book

20 SPRING 2008 SPRING 2008 21 IDENTITY

TODAY

The question is: how and why is it that at any given moment, you experience me as “different” (and so one of “them”), rather than similar (and so one of “us”)? Given that both are simultaneously true, what has become of our similarities? WHO A Black British person could legitimately claim to be “the same as” a White British person on any number of counts: profession, nationality, place of birth, gender, number of ﬁ ngers, and so on. And if you experience me as similar, then what have you done with the differences? The same questions apply to me as well, of course.

ARE This helps us see that “us” and “them” are not found but made. A particular difference comes to dominate the perceptual and experiential ﬁ eld and renders all else invisible and meaningless.

Then we have the situation in which it appears that THEY Protestant is the opposite of Catholic, man the opposite of woman, Muslim the opposite of European, and so on. As is always the way with opposites, once they are generated Are “They” intrinsically different from “Us”? all else that is between simply disappears, leaving no Farhad Dalal refl ects on concepts of belonging and apartness and how alternatives between the extremes: you are either with us or REGISTER TODAY perceived differences in race, culture and ethnicity all too often end in violence against us; you are one of “us” or one of “them”. I am often asked, do I feel myself to be British or Indian? I am invited to receive information to choose and inhabit an either/or universe; an invitation I New Zealand wine maker the root causes of wars and atrocities. We tend to take the varieties of “them” refuse. There are many kinds of “us” that I legitimately and about Operation Black once described his fi rst There has been much evidence to as well as the “us” as natural categories simultaneously lay claim to – many of which are in confl ict impressions of Britain support this view as, over the years, existing as self-evident facts of nature. with one other. It is also the case that I do not freely choose Vote’s projects, events A and France. He said of the we have witnessed Hutus turning on But consider this: not only are there an the kind of “us” I belong to. It does not matter that Jean and programmes people he met on either side of the Tutsis, Serbians decimating Bosnians, infi nite number of similarities between belongs to the category of medical doctor if all that is seen English Channel: “I don’t know why and Protestants fi ghting Catholics in the any two peoples; there are also an by others is the colour of her skin, her gender or religion they fought so much with each other, streets of Northern Ireland. infi nite number of differences. And because to me they look so similar; to both are true at the same time. So it is me they are the same people.” But we need to note two supposedly always possible to say, truthfully, that “US” AND “THEM” ARE obvious characteristics of the human X is different from Y, but also, equally NOT FOUND BUT MADE. The vintner is not alone in voicing this race: that people who are considered truthfully, that X is the same as Y. This Sign up at: taken-for-granted theory of human to be “the same” are not free of hatred is a blindingly obvious observation, but A PARTICULAR DIFFERENCE relations: that animosity and hatred and violence towards each other, and being so obvious we are mostly blind COMES TO DOMINATE between groups of people are due that people who are “the same” in some to it. Thus we come to have a very real THE PERCEPTUAL AND www.obv.org.uk/info/ to, and caused by, the fundamental respects are also “different” in others. experience of sameness or difference differences between the groups – We can then see straight away that per se. The experience appears to be EXPERIENTIAL FIELD AND specifi cally, differences in race, culture things are more complicated than fi rst a self-evident one, that “they” are RENDERS ALL ELSE INVISIBLE webfeedback.html and ethnicity; these are thought to be impressions suggest. intrinsically different from “us”. AND MEANINGLESS

22 SPRING 2008 SPRING 2008 23 IDENTITY COMMUNITY DIARY EVENT: Black History IDENTITYMonth October celebration Black Heritage Today publisher Barbara Campbell explains how the widely celebrated Black History Month crossed the Atlantic from the US to the UK

lack History Month (BHM) is cel- Bebrated in Britain every October and has been a cultural high point of (whether practising or not) and she is The same issues are alive in every-day standoffi sh. There is often a further the year since the 1970s. Its aims are then treated on that basis. life whether professional or personal. dynamic, that when “they” try to to promote knowledge of Black his- Offi ce politics are not as bloody as participate in the mainstream and fi nd tory and the Black experience, dis- Once “they” are made by some political and cultural outbreaks of themselves rebuffed by conscious or seminate information on positive device (colour, orators drawing on violence, but may nevertheless be unconscious institutional dynamics, Black contributions to British soci- HERITAGE HELLO ancient historical events, faith, class, akin to the grander situations outlined this can have the effect of throwing ety – while suggesting solutions for Everything you need to know whatever…), one then has to work hard above. them back into the margins – and also the not so positive – and to heighten about the UK’s Black History to keep the “them” distinct from the radicalising them. confi dence and awareness of Black Month is available in the “us”. There is a continual danger that Offi ce politics consist of who talks to people’s culture, guide produced by Black they will slip through our barriers, and whom, and to whom “we” do not talk. Think about it: if belonging groups are Heritage Today Magazine. then – horror of horrors – one might Another example is to be found in the interest groups, then it is human nature Over the years, many notable names have As well as details on events come to experience one of “them” as cultural injunctions to marry within to want to belong to groupings that been instrumental in ensuring that our story and venues, it includes one of “us”! the tramlines of one’s faith, sect, caste are doing well. And it is when this is was at last being told: Berry Edwards, and features, interviews, historical made impossible that one comes to Eric and Jessica Huntley, stalwarts of Ca- information and an overview of writing Black Americans into the nation’s Myth, propaganda and think that one’s interests are going ribbean Week; Akyaaba Addai-Sebo, who of who is making history history. He established the Association for gossip all serve in the DIFFERENCES AND HISTORIES to be best served by belonging raised the profi le of Black Londoners when today. the Study of Negro Life and History (now work of the vilifi cation of elsewhere. he worked at the former Greater London Published by Barb Wire ARE NOT THE CAUSES OF the Association for the Study of Afro-Amer- “them” in order to keep Council; and Alex Pascall’s Black London- Enterprises, Black Heritage ican Life and History) in 1915, and a year them a “them”. Sections of VIOLENCE; THEY ARE EVOKED In my view, hyphenated identities ers programme. Today offers a comprehensive the media are particularly AND STOKED IN ORDER TO like Black-British arise out of just later founded the Journal of Negro History. list of events – and all are potent instruments in this such a process. Although they However, in the US, an annual recognition invited to participate and MAKE DIFFERENTIATIONS… In 1926, he launched Negro History Week to respect. are celebrated, they are badges of of Black history has taken place for consid- celebrate. bring national attention to the contributions TO SERVE THEIR ENDS. defeat. The migrants invited onto erably longer. Founded in 1926, it was fi rst For more information, to of Black people throughout American his- Once it is the case that these shores in the 1950s wanted known as Negro History Week and later as subscribe or to fi nd out BELONGING GROUPS ARE tory. He chose the second week of February a “them” has been to be thought of as British – after Black History Month. how to get individual established, they fall ALWAYS INTEREST GROUPS all, they were coming to the mother for Negro History Week because it marked copies or multiple copies the birthdays of two men who greatly infl u- outside the remit of the country. But the closest they came Although Black people have been in America for your organisation, enced the Black American population, anti- usual rules and ethical was to be allowed into the ante- since colonial times, it was not until the 20th email all3mags@ slavery campaigner Frederick Douglass and requirements applicable to the “us”. and colour. They, too, serve the same chamber called Black-British, and not century that they gained a presence in history yahoo.co.uk or phone President Abraham Lincoln. In this case, the “them” are readily purpose of reinforcing the distinction the main enclosure called British. books. Black History Month emerged from 020-7207 2734. rendered non-human and so devoid between a designated “us” and the rest. academic study of the history of Black peo- of any human rights, to be treated as For many, the fear is the dilution and The fear is that to allow them in will ple in the US by historian and campaigner animal – to be culled, harvested, or erosion of their “culture”, but in my be to change the nature of the main Dr Carter G. Woodson. He began an interna- SWEET SUCCESS obliterated. Acts of horrifi c violence view it is a useful counter to the current chamber. That is true. But whether tional debate that has carried on to this day. Sugar Media’s magazine guide to Black History which one would fi nd abhorrent if they trend towards preserving cultures in or not they are allowed into the main Month, now in its 11th year, provides a central occurred within the bounds of the “us” modern ghettos, each distinct from the chamber, things are already changing. Born to parents who were former slaves, focus for the nationwide celebration of Black and are no longer acts of shame but reasons other, each a “silo” of difference. The only question is, what kinds of Woodson spent his childhood working in Minority Ethnic history, arts and culture. Listings for celebration when perpetrated on the changes do we want and how best are coal mines and enrolled in high school at the for inclusion on the BHM website and for publica- “them”. But having said that, assimilation is we to achieve them? age of 20. He graduated within two years and tion in the magazine are FREE. a two-way street – both sides need to went on to get a PhD from Harvard. Woodson Visit the Sugarmedia website at Differences and histories are not shift and change if we are to fi nd ways Dr Farhad Dalal is an was disturbed to discover that history books www.sugarmedia.co.uk the causes of violence; they are of living together. But the situation is organisational consultant, coach largely ignored Black Americans, and when Send your listings for the magazine and evoked and stoked in order to make not symmetrical. The marginalised are and psychotherapist. His last book is they did feature it was generally in ways that website to listings@blackhistorymonthuk. differentiations, in order to serve easily put in a double bind. First, they Race, Colour and the Processes of refl ected their inferior social position. co.uk (www.blackhistorymonthuk.co.uk. other ends. Ultimately, belonging are effectively ghettoised, and then Racialization (2002, Routledge). Phone Isabel/Paul on: 020-74077747). groups are always interest groups. they are accused of being aloof and [email protected] Woodson decided to take on the challenge

24 SPRING 2008 SPRING 2008 25 what’s happening

PERFORMERS INCLUDE ABU RATEB JUNAID JAMSHED KHALEEL MUHAMMAD KAREEM SALAMA MO AMER OUTLANDISH PRINCE ABDI 2008 marks the 40th anniversary of the Leaders like MLK and Barack Obama are a source of RACHID GHOLAM SOUND OF REASON AL-YARMOUK assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr (MLK), inspiration for people throughout the world. We at Operation ZAIN BHIKHA

PARTICIPANTS INCLUDE a prominent African-American civil rights leader. Black Vote believe that democracy can never fully address the ANAS ALTIKRITI JAMAL BADAWI JOHN ESPOSITO This year also marks the rise of Barack Obama, an concerns of minorities until this is sufficiently represented JON SNOW MOAZZEM BEGG RAGI OMAR African-American US presidential hopeful who has in public life. At the moment we are under-represented in SALMA YAQOOB TARIQ RAMADAN YUSUF ISLAM defied all the barriers that have eluded many African places of power and influence. Our mission is to redress the

14 SPECTACULAR ZONES INCLUDE CAREERS -Americans from reaching the pinnacles of US imbalance. OBV will be campaigning actively throughout the COOKERY FASHION democratic institutions. UK preceding the next general election. HEALTH & LIFESTYLE ISLAMIC ART ISLAMIC FINANCE ISLAMIC GARDENS FUN RIDES SPORTS SOUK

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MLK was one of the pivotal leaders of the LONDON American civil rights movement. King was a

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He led the Montgomery Bus Boycott. His efforts led to the 1963 March on Washington, where King delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech. Here he raised public consciousness of the civil rights movement and established himself as one of the greatest orators in U.S. history. On the second week of January 09 we this is will be hosting an international conference to celebrate the birth of MLK. martin luther king

In 1964, MLK became the youngest person to receive the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to end racial discrimination through civil disobedience and other non- one man violent means. changed the world 26 SPRING 2008 voter registration Every British, Commonwealth or Republic of Ireland citizen living in Great Britain is eligible to vote in this country’s elections. All other European Union citizens are eligible to vote in European Parliamentary and local elections held here.

Voter registration forms are delivered to every household in the country in the autumn each year, and a revised register of electors is published on 1 December. Find out more and register at: www.aboutmyvote.co.uk

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