Black voters demand Equality in our Lifetime

In a hard-hitting manifesto launched in the run up to the next general election, the coalition outlines deep seated racial disproportionality in the spheres of employment and the provisions of public services. The data shows that two thirds of Black people live in the poorest areas of the country; infant mortality rates are twice as high in the Black community; and that Black people are still six times more likely to be stopped and searched by the police than their white counterparts.

The manifesto demands that politicians radically rethink their approach to racism, beginning with the introduction of a Minister for Race who would implement new strategies and ensure targets were reached.

Coupled with the Black manifesto is the launch of demographic-political research, which shows that the Black vote could be crucial in this election. The research shows that in over 70 constituency seats, the Black vote can decide who wins and who loses the next General Election and in a further 50 seats, the Black vote can convincingly impact on the outcome.

The coalition of Black and faith organisations will disseminate the manifesto along with key demands for the political candidates. A campaign bus tour and OBV Question Time meetings will take place in areas that have a marginal seat.

The press conference for the launch event will be held on Thursday 31st March in the Atlee Suite at Portcullis House, Westminster SW1 at 11:00am sharp.

Karen Chouhan of the 1990 Trust said: This is a manifesto for positive change. The old methods of dealing with racism and inequality clearly haven't worked. We cannot leave generation after generation without hope of the possibility of positive change. A comprehensive rethink that puts tackling racism at a Cabinet level along with the other measures will be a quantum leap forward.

Simon Woolley Director of Operation Black Vote said: Never before in British politics has the Black vote been so strong. Although we are a minority vote in a tightly run race, we hold the balance of power. To many, the Black vote becomes a moral majority vision based on justice and equality of opportunity.

Lee Jasper Chair of OBV said: Black communities don't have the luxury not to vote. With racism and in particular Islamaphobia alarmingly on the increase it is the duty of every Black person to tell their political candidates that we demand that they sign up to an agenda for justice. Failure to do so will be punished at the ballot box