Kacey Akpoteni: Making a lasting legacy

The West Midlands Civic Leadership Programme was put together by Operation Black Vote funded by the Barrow Cadbury Trust to help tackle the under-representation of BME individuals in civic and pubic life. Launched earlier this year, it has also aimed to demystify some of the activities and functions of public institutions. Kacey Akpoteni, a Birmingham resident who is on the programme, can attest that the programme has fulfilled these objectives and only half way through the programme, Akpoteni has already assumed a public life role.

Akpoteni runs a business with her husband and is an active citizen in her area. Her experience includes being a public elected governor for the NHS Foundation Trust and takes part in various activities in her community. She still felt that she had much more to give and was delighted to come across the Civic Leadership programme. Akpoteni seized the opportunity and has not looked back since.

Akpoteni explained to OBV that the West Midlands Civic Leadership Programme went beyond her expectations. The programme in itself has kept participants interested and excited by providing various talks and mentoring sessions. When asked, what has been the best lesson you have learnt over the course of the programme? Akpoteni replied “that anyone can do it, irrespective of background”. She believes that there are many myths surrounding ethnic minorities not being able to enter politics and this is not always true. Akpoteni stated, “so far a lot of ‘myths’ have been busted for me about civic leadership in the UK. I’m certainly going further in civic life after the programme. Ethnic minorities aiming to enter politics need to

“step up to the plate, organisations such as OBV are more than willing to give a helping hand”.

The West Midlands Civic Leadership Programme has not only allowed Akpoteni to grow in knowledge and skill, it also has given her confidence to take part in committees that reshape communities. Akpoteni and her husband are now part of a steering committee that has been allocated £1 million by the Big Lottery Fund. The fund has been allocated to the ward of Hately Heath and both Akpotenis are honoured to be on the committee as it is helping shape the community’s destiny. The experience from the programme has been more than useful as it is helping her leave a “lasting legacy”.

In addition to this, Akpoteni is now shadowing a local councillor who gives constant advice and mentoring. Councillor Henley and Akpoteni have been paired together and the process could not be anymore enlightening. The shadowing process has allowed for Akpoteni to understand the daily routines of a councillor and the experience is giving her a realistic snapshot of the many aspects to the role. She has been able to attend full council and constituency meetings. Akpoteni is able to understand that the role has its challenges. One of the challenges is that it can be time constraining. To be a councillor one needs to be organised and prepared as the role can be challenging. This however has not put her off, as she continues to be driven to better her community.

The programme has provided a once in a life time opportunity and taught participants many skills. Individuals such as Akpoteni go against the myths and tackle them head on. She says “Thanks to Francine & OBV for this wonderful, once in a lifetime opportunity.”

OBV have been able to give a helping a hand to the forty participants who are already changing the face of civic and political life for the better.

Mems Ayinla