OBV pair on Presidential Campaign

OBV co-founder  Ashok Viswanathan and Deputy Director Francine Fernandes are both in the USA for the final week of Presidential election campaigns.

Viswanathan has joined the Obama camp in Wake County, North Carolina to help get the Black vote out. Talking exclusively to OBV, Viswanathan said:

Of course this is a great experience I'm here in North Carolina (NC) because it's a swing state. Its 7 times the size of Hackney, but with a population 40 times bigger.

Having thankfully survived hurricane Sandy, Viswanathan is back to pounding the streets and helping organize Alcia Keys Obama fundraising concert. That really sounds like hard work.

Francine Fernandes had her trip not only postponed - she was due to fly out on Sunday - but also her schedule changed. Fernandes has been invited by the American Embassy to crisscross America on two week International Visitor Programme. Her initial visit to Washington DC had been postponed due to flood damage from Hurricane Sandy. Instead, yesterday she flew to Houston, Texas. There she will meet up with politicians and Black NGO’s including the world famous NAACP, before heading east.

Before leaving Fernandes said:

I’m so excited, I’m meeting so many fascinating people at this political crossroads in American history. I promise I’ll keep you guys posted.

Both will be bringing us news from their respective adventures from literally opposites sides of America.

Good luck the pair of you. And be safe.

Simon Woolley