News

The contest to become Liberal Democrat candidate for London Mayor moved into the home straight this month with a focus on race equality issues.

The four hopefuls gathered at the frayed, but historic surroundings of the Africa Centre in Covent Garden for a hustings organised by the Ethnic Minority Liberal Democrats.

Reality TV star and ex-MP Lembit Opik, 2008 mayoral candidate Brian Paddick, City Hall Assembly Mmber Mike Tuffery and recycling expert Brian Haley addressed an audience that included many Black and Asian party members.

A cloud of doubt surrounds the Independence Police Complaints Commission following the admission that it may have misled journalists to believe that Mark Duggan had fired at police before being killed.

Duggan was shot by police last Thursday by officers and his death sparked a protest followed by widespread rioting which began in Tottenham and spread across London and other cities in England.

The IPCC, who are investigating the events of Duggan's death, said that any formal statements issued by the body made no reference to shots fired at police.

In what we hope will be the first of many articles for the Huffington Post, OBV’s director kicks off with one of the hottest and contentious debates out there at the moment. The recent civil disturbances.

In it he examines how the civil disturbance perpetrated by young men and women of all races is being characterized as a ‘Black problem’.

He warns of the dangers to the whole community if Black leaders do not respond quickly and effectively.

The UK broadcasting industry has been accused of failing to make any progress their workforce more representative of society.

A report suggests that members of the black and minority ethnic (BME) community made up just 10.4% of staff at 71 broadcasters who employ more than 20 staff.

The shocking figure is 0.6% down from the previous year and there has been no significant progress in the past five years.

The prevalent headlines in recent days has been a plethora of negative stories featuring Black boys. Whilst we at OBV, do not condone the recent violence and criminal acts, there are many unsung heroes in the community. We would like to commend the many fantastic achievements and successes of our young Black men, exemplified by 16 year old Jakobi Wilmott.

A week after his death at the hands of police, the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) are urging for witnesses to come forward with any information which could help them with the shooting of Mark Duggan.

The 29-year-old was shot by officers last week in Ferry Lane, Tottenham as they attempted to arrest him. A post-mortem revealed Duggan had died from a single bullet wound to the chest but his family are considering to request a second examination.

OBV interns Shanice and Misha took to the streets to speak to Londoners about their thoughts on the riots which hit London and other parts of Britain in the past week.

Click here to find out what the people had to say.

We, the undersigned, condemn the wanton violence and looting that has been perpetrated in our communities over the last few days. Above all it is good people in our areas such as Tottenham, Enfield, Walthamstow, Birmingham, Liverpool, Brixton who are most affected by these unacceptable actions.

London is often described as a multicultural metropolis, home to people of all races and religious persuasion.

Different ethnicities bring their own flavour and style to the capital, which celebrates its place as one of the most diverse cities in the world.

Next month, London is gearing up to host its annual fashion week, where all the top fashion houses will be looking to showcase their collections for 2012.

OBV Graduate Frederick Clarke who is the Director of Croydon based charity Might Men of Valour speaks about the cause of the riots and their implications for BME communities.