OBV eXpress: On the road to racial equality and democratic reform

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.

In many ways Brixton is an example of the areas OBV will target over the coming months across the country. Brixton has the highest incidence of racial inequality anywhere in the country according to research published by the Runnymede Trust, combine this with poverty stricken wards with some of the lowest voter turnout rates in the country and its obvious that the promise of racial equality and accessible democracy are both in short supply.

For years, Brixton has been regarded as the unofficial capital of Black Britain. However today creeping gentrification is threatening that fondly held status.

When it comes to British democratic engagement and participation voters are voting with their feet.  In Britain we see voter registration and turnout declining steadily and of late this has reached alarmingly low levels. In the last election 2010 only 61% of citizens turned out to vote. We believe that this represents a real threat to Britain, as those who feel most deeply alienated from democracy, are more likely to be snared or seduced into extremisms and or criminality.

The OBV eXpress election battle bus, resplendent in bright orange and covered in graphics recalling the political and social struggle both in the US and here in the UK, is a real eye catcher. The graphics invoke the tragic price paid to secure our right to vote and the historical contribution of African, Asian and Caribbean communities to the making of modern Britain.

The bus was packed from the time we opened its doors. Local residents registering to vote, the media and the magnificent OBV team were joined by elected politicians, wannabe politicians, local councillors, faith leaders alongside national and local business people, local campaigners, all united in their support of the OBV Reclaiming Democracy campaign.

Both on board and outside, under the umbrellas kindly provided by OBV people were deeply engaged in political discussion and serious debate

What was clear to me, as I watched people cram onto the bus, was that this campaign is going to have a dramatic effect, once the national tour begins. It was a real joy to behold the sight of local people furiously discussing real politics, the nature of democracy and the power of their vote.

Some of the doubters and non voters were converted on the spot woken up to the fact of the importance of their vote and the need to reform democracy so it empowers citizens.

As the rain came down and the bus became a real focal point on Windrush Square, Brixton; it sat elegantly framed by the local Ritzy cinema, advertising the movie Selma on one side, and on the other by the imposing Black Cultural Archives, advertising its latest exhibition ‘Staying Power’ based on the epic account of British Black history written by the late, great Peter Fryer.

It was the perfect context for the OBV launch. The ward of Coldharbour Lambeth has one of the lowest levels of voter registration and voter turn out anywhere in the country. Here sat the OBV bus an example born of the dream of Dr. King and a demonstration of the resolute staying power of the Black struggle for rights and justice.

The campaign is simple and straightforward. Register to vote up to one million people and reclaim democracy. If we want to end the desperate cynicism and alienation that the public feels toward politicians and politics, we have to transform our democracy so that it empowers, not disempowers citizens. OBV has published a manifesto that aims to restore public confidence in our democracy and ensure politicians can be held to real account.

And the real good news is one that will provide OBV with its greatest campaign innovation to date. OBV will launch the most powerful democracy application for smart phones the country has ever seen that has the potential to revolutionize democratic engagement and participation.

The OBV Reclaim Democracy Tour has hit the road and we need your support now more than ever.

Please sign up to the OBV website, twitter, facebook and instagram.  If you can volunteer to help please email us but whatever you do, ensure you help us take back our democracy and get on board the OBV eXpress!

Lee Jasper