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As the bodies of hundreds dead migrants gently rise and fall with the of the swelling of the Meditation Sea we see the stunning lack of compassion of European nations, many of whom failed to act when Italy warned them of this growing and intending crisis over a year ago.  This year an estimated 1.500 people have drowned on Italy's coast although, in reality the number is expected to be much higher. 

This week saw two important dates celebrated across the world. First, there was the celebration of Dr King’s historic civil rights march in Selma Alabama, and then our annual celebration of International Women’s Day.

Both are hugely significant in demonstrating the changing nature of our democracies, improving representation and forcing the Governments of the day, to yield to the massive public demands for equality and justice.

This weekend see's the 50th anniversary of Dr Martin Luther Kings historic civil rights march in Selma Alabama March 7th 1965. Our journey on the long road to equality and justice is far from over, and this important anniversary is the perfect occasion to launch our 'Reclaim Democracy' voter registration campaign for the forthcoming general election. 

On a windy, rainy day in Brixton the OBV eXpress campaign bus quietly rolled into the symbolic Windrush Square emblematic of the multiculturalism of this London borough. It was one of those wet, drizzly days where the pavement reflects images like a simmering mirror that somehow offered the opportunity for Brixton to take a long hard look at itself.

I met Lorenz in Berlin just before Xmas at a leadership training event which OBV helped found. At every juncture during the training Lorenz was inquisitive and challenging. At one point he said, I’ll be in London soon can I come and volunteer for you Mr Woolley? Yes, I instantly replied, knowing talent when I see it. And here he is, in Bethnal Green writing his first article and assisting with campaigns. Expect much more from this bright young man!

Simon Woolley

Tony Thomas writes an excellent blog, One Love, One London. He recently took issue with a piece I wrote on the OBV website encouraging readers to understand the power their vote gives them to force politicians to take racial equality more seriously.

‘On the Level’ is a series of interview style profiles highlighting individuals whose work or campaigning is a model to inspire and engage our communities. Here Patricia Daley shares her views.

Dr Patricia Daley (pictured above) is a University Lecturer in Human Geography, University of Oxford & Official Fellow, Jesus College, Oxford.

She taught at Dartmouth College in New Hampshire, USA, and at Loughborough University, UK before her present role at Oxford.

All black and minority ethnic shortlists are a temporary measure we need to effect a permanent change in our political culture.