Time to vote!

Something has happened that I haven’t seen for a very long time. Our communities –Black and minority ethnic communities are not only talking politics- which we’ve always done- we are doing politics too. Grime artists, young intellectuals, activists, campaigners and many others have all shown an appetite to engage in this election, many for the very first time.

Why? Well, there is a number of reasons that we could speculate on; Brexit, and rise in hate crime, the continuing poverty experienced by many, and the lack of employment opportunities, but perhaps the most important reason is that many are now have taken ownership to change what they see as an often corrupt democratic system that has worked against them.

We couldn’t be more happier at OBV. We’ve said for over 20 years that the democratic institutions belong to us too, moreover, they work better when we’re involved.

I hope this conversation about the nations politics and direction, and our involvement continues long after tomorrow votes. But first we must vote.

Since my own son has been able to walk, I’ve taken him to vote with me; every election, including last year’s referendum. It’s what he and his father does.

So tomorrow go to the polls, take your children and vote.

Simon Woolley