News

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-35380343

The word historic is one that is too often overused; a lazy description usually deployed to try and artificially inflate or hype, some otherwise mundane, high profile activity.

The recent OBV gathering of Black and ethnic minority MPs celebrating the largest number of BME MP’s to be elected in British political history was however, truly historic. Many attended from both sides of the house. Those who didn’t, profusely apologised having prior engagements

Parliamentarians and campaigners including Home Secretary Theresa May and Sol Campbell attended a reception at the Houses of Parliament last night to celebrate the historic number of Black and Minority MPs (BME).

The OBV event recognised the increase of BME MP’s from just five in 1996 when their organisation began, to a current record number of 41, which is 6.3% of all MP’s.

The chameleon David Bowie refused to be stuck in any one musical genre. But have no doubt that the Brixton musical genius, that was David Bowie loved his Black music.

As we all know, particularly those of a particular age, Bowie spanned the musical spectrum that included: ‘Space Oddity, Life on Mars, Heroes,  Star Man, Rebel rebel, and Peace on earth with Bing Cosby. I even read Lee Jasper’s facebook page reading his tribute, waxing lyrical about Bowie and his first number one hit, ‘The Laughing Gnome’.

http://www.obv.org.uk/news-blogs/black-activist-rejects-queens-honour

http://www.obv.org.uk/news-blogs/bme-individuals-honoured-queen

The impossible dilemma Black people face around accepting or not a Queens honour was no better highlighted by Black activist Phyll Opoku-Gyimah better known as ‘Lady Phyll’ who rejected the call to be honoured.

When that letter from the Prime Minister David Cameron came through ‘Lady Phyll’s' door recommending that she be honoured by Her Majesty the Queen for her tireless fight against racism and for the rights of the LGBT community, she took a deep breath, searched her own conscience and said, ‘thanks, but no thanks’.

There were two shootings of Black people by the police - caught on camera – that shook America to the core. One was by the police officer, Micheal Slager who not only shot Walter Scott in the back whilst he was running away, but he then proceeded to fabricate the shooting by calling for back up and arranging the man’s lifeless body to bolster his  intended lies that he shot Scott whilst being attacked.

Twice a year Her Majesty the Queen, via the Government honours some extraordinary men and women. Of course to many Black people whilst the Honours have the British Empire write large they will always be a source of controversy. Just last night I took part in a very heated debate during the Dotun Adebayo BBC radio London programme discussing this very subject.