Rev Al Sharpton - Choice FM/OBV Lecture 'Power is never given'

Sharpton's visit to Britain is a bid to demonstrate a show of solidarity with Black Britons in the struggle to achieve a stronger political voice and to democratically force politicians to address racism and ensure greater Black and minority ethnic representation within Westminster.

The charismatic activist who is a potential US presidential candidate in 2004 will kick off the first stage of activities for the PAW march in April by addressing Black communities at the Choice FM/Operation Black Vote Lecture at 6.30pm on Tuesday, 22 October 2002, at the Institute of Education, 20 Bedford Way, London WC1.

Rev Sharpton arrives at London Heathrow, on Monday, 21 October and will go direct to a Operation Black Vote PRESS CONFERENCE starting 12.30pm, at The From Boyhood to Manhood Foundation, TRINITY COLLEGE CENTRE, Newent Close, London SE15 6EF

Al Sharpton will meet organisers, youngsters, and invited guests; he will be given a tour of the area including the estate on which Damilola Taylor lived and died.

Rev Sharpton will also visit local organisations in south and east London to speak to community organisations and youth groups.

Other speakers for Choice FM/Operation Black Vote Lecture include Lee Jasper Race adviser to the Mayor for London. Karen Chouhan 1990 Trust Director. Kumar Mushid, National Assembly Against Racism. Professor Chris Mullard Chief Executive of Focus Consultancy. Arlington Trotman Churches Commission for Racial Justice. Keith Kerr - London Mayoral Candidate

Simon Woolley, Operation Black Vote said: 'Sharpton's visit launches Black Briton's unprecedented political campaign that will serve notice on the British democratic establishment with the bold statement 'Black Britons will not be ignored.' Rev Al Sharpton stated: It is critical to mobilise and accumulate political power not just to protect our communities locally, but to gain voting leverage to establish a stronger voting block for people of colour in Britain; which equals a stronger representation on foreign policy issues across the World.

Choice FM/Operation Black Vote Lecture, 6.30pm, Tuesday, 22 October 2002, Institute of Education, 20 Bedford Way, London WC1. (Nearest tube, Russell Square)