Obama effect 'could boost black politicians'

By Liz Lewis
BBC News, Bristol

Shadows attend constituency surgeries and council meetings

The face of international politics is set to change if the US presidential race is won by Democrat Barack Obama.

But racial equality campaigners in Bristol hope local politics will change too - with Senator Obama inspiring more black and ethnic community members to stand as local councillors and MPs.

Operation Black Vote (OBV) aims to tackle the under-representation of black and minority ethnic communities in the council chamber and improve their political participation.

OBV director Simon Woolley said: "It is critical that we play a full and positive role in the democratic process and hold to account the politicians who seek to represent us."

Carole Douglas, 43, is a primary school teacher in Easton, Bristol who took part in the OBV council shadowing scheme last year.

"I was interested because I went into teaching as I wanted to sow good seeds into young people," she said.

If he (Obama) becomes president the world is not going to change the next day but it will make a difference Marvin Rees

"I saw it as another opportunity to effect change - by sharing information."

The scheme involves spending time learning how the council works, looking at all aspects of the decision-making process and the life of a local councillor.

Future generations

The shadows attend constituency surgeries and observe council meetings, such as working groups and select committees.

It was after Carole had been on the scheme a few weeks she realised she had allowed herself to be constrained in her ambitions.

"I didn't think I could effect change myself and I'm a teacher," she said.

"I thought somebody else had to do it, not me, Carole Douglas.

"Being on the scheme has made me realise I can make my voice heard.

Marvin Rees stood as an candiate in Bristol West

"Lots of people from black and ethnic minority communities feel they haven't got a voice, they're not being heard and there's nothing they can do about it.

"Although I have decided not to go into politics I can make sure the children I teach know the door is open if they want to and I'll tell them how it all works," she said.

Marvin Rees, 35, went on the MP shadowing scheme and has stood as a candidate in Bristol West for the Labour Party.

Opening doors

"The fact I'm black doesn't mean my entry point into politics should be through OBV, but it told me about the MP shadowing scheme so I applied," he said.

The scheme gave him "an awareness of the possibilities that come with being an elected representative," said Mr Rees.

"It also means I recognise the shortfalls of the system - like the Barack Obama thing - if he becomes president the world is not going to change the next day but it will make a difference."

Marvin Rees has become now become an advocate for OBV.

"When we talk about a lack of participation it's not always about a lack of talent, sometimes its about not knowing where the doors are," he said.

"On the one day when decision-makers are held to account for why they didn't listen to what you had to say, never let it be said that you chose to be silent.

"Always force someone to ignore you, don't allow them that convenient option of not listening to your voice."

There are four black and ethnic minority members currently on Bristol City Council and nine people on the 2008 council shadowing scheme in the city.