News

There are occasions when a media story will hit you in the solar plexus leaving you angry and speechless in equal measure. Monday the 9th May was one such day. The Guardian front page was dominated by a story that simply defies belief, a saga that provides an insight into the reality of humanitarianism, racism and callous indifference. African migrants left to die is a story that upon reading transported me instantly to the period of transatlantic slavery.

Fears were that CCTV in West Midlands was to target areas and would label Muslims

Campaigners have hailed a victory from the news that West Midlands Police have backed down from plans to operate over two hundred new CCTV cameras in areas with predominantly Muslim populations.

Whilst the war of words continues between Pakistan and the USA over the killing of Osama Bin Ladin, here in the UK senior Government Ministers recognize it’s not only global security that binds our nations together, but also economic growth.

Cabinet Minister Baroness Sayeeda Warsi confirmed that the UK would champion Pakistani’s challenge to access European Union markets.

Most recently in March 2011, Midsomer Murders producer Brian True-May caused a major controversy when he was suspended for stating in an interview with the Radio Times ‘that he didn't really want to introduce any Black faces to the programme because he saw the series as a "bastion of Englishness"’.

The subject of race remains a major issue in Christian circles. Rev David Shosanya (pictured above) asks why are Christians unable to have an honest, intelligent and constructive debate about this contentious issue

In the end the result on the referendum to change the electoral system  to the Alternative vote was unequivocal: 69% no, 31% yes. How we elect our MP’s to Westminster will stay the way things are.

OBV intern Natalie Simon (pictured) writes about her time with the organisation and the experiences which have shaped her new career direction.

The British National Party has suffered a staggering defeat in the local elections against the back drop of financial trouble and internal fighting.

The party fielded 268 in yesterday’s local elections in England and have been subjected to humiliating losses in Luton, Leeds and Stoke on Trent where they lost all 8 Councillors. The party had used their positions in local government to attempt to introduce a ban on Halal foods in local schools to marginalise the local Muslim communities.

OBV alumni George Orlanzo Cole has been elected to serve on Leicester City council representing the people of Western Park. Cole, a former member of OBV’s Parliamentary Shadowing Scheme won his place in local government with over 1000 votes. He cites a strong presence in the fight for increased political literacy in the Afro-Caribbean community in Leicester, and participation in the scheme as the inspiration that led him to stand for election.

The French government claims that the recent controversial law banning the wearing of the burka is aimed at helping Muslim women integrate into society. But the ban has had exactly the opposite effect writes community activist and founder of the Khat Alert campaign Muna Hassan (pictured).