Operation Black Vote Hosts National Series of Political Hustings Events Ahead of General Election

Be a part of history with the Black Britain Decides Hustings Week! This national project, brought to you by Operation Black Vote (OBV) and Black Equality Organisation (BEO), and is supported by local community organisations across the UK.

OBV, in partnership with BEO, is running a country-wide project to engage with Black communities, encouraging them to vote and hear what they want from the next government. The next stage of this partnership is a series of political hustings events which will be held in four major cities across the country, providing a powerful platform for political engagement and advocacy within Black Britain.

About OBV and BEO

OBV is a non-party political organisation dedicated to ensuring greater racial justice and equality in the UK. We tirelessly promote civic and political engagement within the African, Caribbean, and Asian communities, empowering individuals to fully participate in the democratic process.

BEO is an apolitical, national Black civil rights organisation created to dismantle systemic racism in Britain, drive generational change, and deliver better-lived experiences for Black people nationwide.

• Nottingham: 24th June 2024, The Pilgrim Centre
• Birmingham: 26th June 2024, The Legacy Centre of Excellence
• London: 1st July 2024, Karibu Education Centre
• ‍Manchester: 25th June 2024, Church of God of Prophecy Christian Centre

Event Overview

The hustings events will be chaired by David Weaver, Chair of OBV, along with co-hosts from the communities represented. These events offer a unique opportunity for political candidates to present their party's policy manifesto, specifically addressing issues of racial discrimination and disadvantage. Candidates will engage directly with the community, sharing their vision and answering questions from the audience.

Event Structure:

• Opening Statements: Each candidate will provide an opening statement.
• Moderated Audience Q&A: Candidates will answer questions from the audience.

The target audience will consist of local African, Caribbean, and Asian communities eager to understand how prospective parliamentary candidates plan to address the pressing issues that impact them.

Participation Details

The hustings will be filmed to reach a wider audience through our online platforms. OBV and BEO believe that having an informed electorate is crucial for empowering communities to vote and therefore, it is essential that communities have an opportunity to hear from the candidates that want to represent them.

Both OBV and BEO are committed to racial equality and justice and have a strong track record of nonpartisan advocacy. Previously, OBV has hosted successful hustings during general elections and now with BEO, we anticipate that these events will be equally impactful and contribute significantly to the democratic process.

RSVP Information

If you would like to sign up, please register here:

Birmingham

‍Nottingham

Manchester

London‍

Members of the press can directly email fope.ajanaku@obv.org.uk so we can create a press list for each event.

For further information, please contact:

Fopé Ajanaku
NVRA Campaign Coordinator
fope.ajanaku@obv.org.uk

Quote from David Weaver, Chair of OBV

"With 1 in 4 African, Caribbean and Asians not registered to vote, our communities are facing a significant democratic deficit. This series of hustings events is a critical step in ensuring our voices are heard and our rights are protected. By hosting these events in key cities, we aim to empower Black Britain to engage directly with political candidates and demand action on issues of racial discrimination and systemic disadvantage. The combined African, Caribbean and Asian vote has the potential to influence the outcome in 97 marginal constituencies across the UK. Our vote is our power, and it's time we harness that power to shape a more equitable and just society."

Quote from Timi Okuwa, CEO of Black Equity Organisation said:

“We must never under-estimate the power of our votes – change happens when we engage and participate in the process. These hustings are our chance to question the candidates and interrogate their commitment to racial equity and the issues that affect us on a daily basis. We have these rights and the power to make a difference, so let’s come together and do it.”

‍