Transatlantic young leaders

Without doubt one of the greatest joys of activism is nurturing talent and then watching these young men and women from diverse backgrounds flourish.

A year ago in Copenhagen, Denmark, I was asked to be one of the European trainers for the inaugural programme to train the best and brightest young Black and minority ethnic politicians and activist across Europe and America. Set up by the German Marshall Fund, Open Society Foundation, the US State Department and the Helsinki Commission to help ensure minority politicians and activists can not only develop, but also to help them forge links and networks which will last a life time.

Last year there were many impressive individuals: Newly appointed legislator to the Hawaiian Parliament, Stanley Chang particularly stood out. He made it his mission to literally speak to more than 19,000 households in the run up to the election. Come Election Day Chang won by that margin, 19,000 votes. A year later this young man has been tipped to become a Congressman anytime soon.

The mantra last year was to be the best but also to give back to others. In JD Colombini’s case he has spent the last year raising funds to organize a Greek diversity leadership forum for minority politicians. In May his ambitions come true: The first ever event of this nature will be held in Athens which will help promote racial diversity and the talent within it.

Many young leaders impressed, none no more than the Director of IMPACT, David J Johns: Social media savvy, an education policy guru and driven by social and racial justice. A year ago the quietly confident young man informed me:

Simon, we are going to be life long friends and collaborate to do great stuff.’

This young African American returned this year, not as the Director of IMPACT which he still belongs to, but as President Obama’s education Czar, whose mission will be to raise educations levels for African Americans.

Humble as ever, Johns informed me:

I’ve got three years to make an impact for those too often left behind in American society, but with you and your colleagues in the UK. I also want to help Black Britons and Black Europeans too.’

After just two years of this international Leadership programme is fast becoming the type of BME global network that will help a disparate diverse Diaspora speak with one voice. Once again, this time in Brussels, I very much enjoyed being part of it, as did Cllr Sanchia Alesia. An OBV alumni, Alesia caused a spontaneous applause by her peers when she announced that not only did she defeat BNP Councilor in East London but has recently been long listed to be selected as a European MEP. Fingers crossed for her.

I will keep you informed about the progress of these most aspiring young leaders. If you’d like to recommend a young politician or would be politician to next years event please send details and CV to OBV.

Simon Woolley